Why becoming a dad completely changed my outlook on work

Why becoming a dad completely changed my outlook on work

When Thomas Paige became a father, his attitude to life changed in a heartbeat. Here’s what happened next

By Thomas Paige

In that exact moment, I don’t think I could have been any happier.

Standing in my kitchen, looking out across the sun-drenched garden, with this incredible new life cradled in my arms. Playing quietly in the background was The Rolling Stones’ classic “Wild Horses”: the perfect soundtrack to a couple of minutes that I’ll never forget.

    I found myself floating above all the normal work-related niggles and stresses.  

I’d recently returned home from the hospital, having just become a dad for the first time – and all of my priorities had changed in an instant.

Changing perspectives

Becoming a parent completely refocused my mind on what was important. It put every aspect of my life into perspective – perhaps none more so than my attitude to work.

As I neared the end of my paternity leave, my mind naturally began to return to work-related matters. I couldn’t help but contemplate how different my working days would be now that so much had changed. I began to grow increasingly uneasy at the thought of going back.

But to my surprise, I actually returned to work with a feeling of renewed strength.

Why becoming a dad completely changed my outlook on workNot in a way that you might expect. It wasn’t a sense of added motivation or inspiration, afforded to me by my new infant.

Instead, it was something very different. It was a feeling of loftiness. I found myself floating above all the normal work-related niggles and stresses. Those dreaded meetings, which would previously have made me run for cover, no longer bothered me. I was able confidently to negotiate them, and maybe even enjoy them (a little).

And all because I knew that no matter what happened in that room, or at any time during the working day, I still got to go home and see my little baby.

Put simply, nothing compared to the new love of my life.

The measure of success

For a time I struggled to get anywhere near the levels of motivation that I had always enjoyed in my working life. Normal service did gradually resume, but there was one change to my mindset that stuck: the way I viewed and measured “success”.

Prior to becoming a father, success to me had always meant career progression and a generous salary. But the only measure of success for me now was the amount of quality time I spent with my family: a feeling that’s stayed with me ever since.

I’m clearly not alone in this respect, with 63pc of new dads requesting a change in their working patterns as they seek a better work-life balance.

    ...the only measure of success for me now was the amount of quality time I spent with my family...  

Three tips to achieving work-life balance as a busy dad

So as I sit here feeling more “successful” than ever, I want to share a few simple steps that may help you overcome the inevitable conflict between work and being a family man.

1. Define your ideal work-life balance

Work-life balance means many things to many people, so start by defining what it means to you. What does your ideal work-life balance look like? What steps will you take to get there?

Start with your end goal and work backwards. But don’t expect quick wins: it can take years (four in my case) to reach a position where your working life helps to accommodate the demands and desires of your family.

2. Seek the flexibility you need (or want)

Flexible working comes in many different guises. Each offers a slightly different approach to improving your work-life balance.

Working fathers are often reluctant to broach the idea of flexible working with their employers. With 2 in 5 dads having flexible working requests turned down, it’s easy to see why.

But remember, flexible working provides many benefits to your employer. So before submitting a request, do your research and come up with a proposal that benefits all parties. That’ll make it harder for them to refuse.

3. Broaden your horizons

If there is genuinely very little likelihood of your employer supporting your request for flexible working, perhaps it’s time to consider a change in direction. That could mean a different job, a switch in career or even becoming your own boss.

Either way, give yourself time to get used to parenthood. Establish a clear idea of the work-life balance needed to accommodate your new way of life. Then go for it.

If you’re anything like me, you won’t regret making the change for an instant.

© 2020 Just Recruitment Group Ltd

Published: 14 February 2020

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: How to succeed as a working mum

You may also enjoy: How to find your passion

Jobs currently available

New job
CNC Turner
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £32,448 - £40,560 per annum
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB32
About the role

Due to continued growth and succession planning, Just Recruitment is recruiting an experienced CNC Turner to operate CNC lathes with FANUC controls for a well-established company in Braintree.

Scope:

  • Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
  • Loading and running programs through prove out according to the tools list and works instructions.
  • Producing a valid first-off component in line with component drawing and quality requirements.
  • Loading and operating machines to meet desired quantities.
  • Conducting in-process inspection, checking against drawings and specifications to ensure they are made accurately and to the highest standards.
  • Completing QA records.

Skills:

  • Capable of programming FANUC CNC machines (Specific robot program training/operation will be given to the successful candidate).
  • Selecting the correct tooling and setting the machines as required to produce quality components by reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.
  • We will consider transferable skills from grinding or milling to CNC turning.

Hours of work: 39 hour working week
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm or 9.00am to 5.30pm
Friday 8.30am to 4.00pm

Read more
Warehouse Operative (3 month fixed term contract)
Sector: Warehouse
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913748
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Braintree - they are looking to add a 'Warehouse Operative' to their team, initially on a 3 month fixed term contract.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse team, ensuring all duties are completed to a high standard and stock is processed accurately both in and out of the business.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting with the unloading/loading of vehicles and the checking in of stock.
  • Sorting and placing materials or items onto racks and shelves.
  • Collecting items from throughout the warehouse, preparing and completing warehouse orders for delivery or pickup according to a schedule.
  • Performing warehouse inventory controls via scanner and/or through a computer.
  • Stock counting and location checks.
  • Forklift driving (counterbalance) duties as required.

Role requirements include:

  • Previous warehouse-based experience, ideally holding a full and valid counterbalance licence.
  • Good IT and communication skills - able to input stock accurately on the system and on other systems as needed.
  • Previous experience of using a hand scanner.

Please note you need to have a full and valid driving licence for this role, as some van driving duties may be required on an ad-hoc basis.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm - some overtime may be required.

This role offers a competitive salary and great company benefits as well as an incentive package.

This is a great time to join a growing organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Service Engineer (Gas Safe registered)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: North East
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB31
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Service Engineer to cover the North East, ideally located close to Newcastle, Durham, or the Darlington area.

The role involves carrying out routine servicing, including filter changes, as well as breakdown repairs across a wide range of company units. You will have a good level of fitness and be comfortable working at heights. Occasional on-call cover will also be required for a key local customer.

Key requirements include:

  • Must have a full driving licence
  • Must be Gas Safe Registered, ideally with CoNGLP1 PD COCN 1 CIGA 1 CDGA 1 ACS accreditations
  • Electrical/Mechanical/Engineering background required
  • Experience with gas/oil burners
  • Self-motivated and innovative
  • Ability to use initiative and have excellent customer liaison skills

The benefits package includes:

Competitive salary depending on experience, overtime, paid door to door (at 1.5x (travel included)

  • Company vehicle
  • Mobile phone/tablet
  • Pension
  • Private health scheme
  • 25 days holidays

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Internal Sales Executive
Sector: Sales
Salary: £28,000 - £35,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC30
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business in Ipswich, looking to add an Internal Sales Executive to their team.

The Internal Sales Executive will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth by developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role is essential for achieving the company's sales targets and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Duties include:

  • Carrying out outbound sales calls to meet sales targets.
  • Managing client sales appointments.
  • Client/Customer upsell and cross-sell.
  • Securing new sales orders via quotations, proposals and trials.
  • Continuously develop sales pitch and processes.
  • Identifying and targeting opportunities to expand the customer base.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing clients.

You will need to be a highly motivated, proactive, and results-driven business development professional with a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, integrity, and innovation. You should excel at building and maintaining relationships and actively contribute to the wider growth of the business.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Negotiator (9-month contract)
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC29
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Sales Negotiator
Sector: Sales
Location: Earls Colne, Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC28
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded, market-leading business on the outskirts of Colchester that is seeking a Sales Negotiator to join its stable team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to achieve and exceed sales conversion targets from quotations, whilst maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction and engagement.

You will be responsible for the accurate updating of CRM and pricing systems too.

Key duties include:

  • Contacting clients by phone or email to follow up on quotations with a view to securing orders for the business.
  • Ensuring internal systems are updated accordingly with accurate and current information.
  • Negotiating with customers — listen to objections, understand requirements, and provide appropriate solutions.
  • Developing relationships with key customers, influencers, and decision-makers within the industry.
  • Using the bespoke pricing software to review and amend quotations in line with company processes.
  • Performing other tasks and duties as reasonably requested by the Sales Office Manager.

Role requirements include:

  • Professional and confident communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Diligent and proactive in following up on quotations and capturing feedback.
  • Positive, “can-do” attitude and solution-oriented mindset.
  • Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work methodically under pressure.
  • Reasonable level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite; training provided for in-house systems.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise and remain organised.

Please note that, due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more