Father’s Day is more than just a celebration—it's a time to recognize the dedication and resilience of dads who skillfully juggle the demands of work and family life. In today's fast-paced world, being a working parent comes with its unique set of challenges and rewards. To offer insights and inspiration, we spoke with 14 working dads who share their invaluable advice on navigating the complexities of balancing career and parenthood.
These dads, from various walks of life and professional backgrounds, provide candid and heartfelt tips on how they manage to stay present for their children while excelling in their careers. From time management strategies to the importance of self-care and setting boundaries, their advice is a testament to the strength and adaptability required to thrive as a working parent. Here’s what they have to say about making it all work.
What advice do you have for other working parents?
"I try my best to be present with my kids, put my phone away, and ask the types of questions that prompts them to tell me the most about their day or how they’re feeling. Sometimes it’s hard to not let the exhaustion of the working day set in (or to check emails), but my advice is to do your best to leave your work day at the door so you can fully engage!"
—Andrew Barker, National Account Manager II, Bandwidth
"Learn to say no. This doesn’t mean be dismissive or slack off, it means learn to be efficient with your time, because your time and energy are going to be limited. If it’s important and urgent, do it right away. If it’s important and not urgent, make sure to get it done when it needs to be. If it’s not important, don’t do it, if it’s urgent and not important, don’t do it."
—Samuel Berg, Director of Sales, VTS
"The best advice I can give others is to figure out the work-life balance. This is critical in being successful in your career and also just as important in your home life. Home time should be spent with your kids, spouse, friends, etc. Your health and well-being need to have that connection outside of work."
—Michael Bryant, Sr. Learning and Development Manager, Lazer Logistics
"My advice for those with children is to bend over backwards and do everything you can to enable them to have the experiences of a lifetime. It is totally worth the long hours to get that report in, or a few personal sacrifices to see your kid on stage or hit that home run. Use your benefits, use your managers. Discuss the big picture and there will be options you may not have known about beforehand."
—Stephen Epley, Manager - Network Engineering and Network Security, Intuit
"The best advice I have received from another working father was to always remember my true purpose for working.
For me, it's two main goals:
- Provide an environment for my daughter where she can be healthy, happy, and successful
- Ensure that my job is impacting the world in a positive way so that I can be a part of building a better tomorrow for her to grow in"
—Jacob Fresneda, Regional Sales Manager, Taulia
“To other working parents, I say look at work like a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.”
—Daniel Gonzalez, Senior Business Manager, Growth Strategy, Intuit
"Work is important and we all want to crush our mission, but it is great to find a place to work that also keeps the important life events in perspective and supports you as a working parent."
—Russell Katz, Director Commercial Legal, Bandwidth
“Balancing work and family life can be challenging, but with some strategies and support, it's possible to thrive in both areas. Set yourself clear boundaries when you want to have time for your kids (For me it's breakfast and dinner). Communicate openly and honestly with your employer and your coworkers. Work together as a family and with your partner, divide chores / tasks. Make sure you also get some time for yourself!”
—Konstantin Kleemann, Customer Success Manager, Taulia
“Take the time to understand what events and activities are most important to your family. Prioritize your work flexibility and paid time off to attend and be fully present. Also, my wife taught me to ask my children questions about their day. By understanding their daily successes and struggles, I'm better able to understand their feelings and outlook.”
—Carl Krumrei, VP, Product, Watkins Wellness
"For working parents, it's crucial to have balance between work and family time. It's important to set boundaries, communicate openly with your employer or manager and build an understanding with them. Prioritize quality moments with your kids and make the most of the time you have together, whether it's engaging in activities, sharing meals, or something as simple as talking and listening. Your presence and attention are sometimes more impactful than vacations or experiences. Helping your children understand why you work or why you might have to travel gives them a better understanding of your career."
—Michael, Great Clips® Salon Stylist and National Design Team Member, Great Clips*
“One of the most fulfilling roles in life is being a dad of two young children, it demands constant focus, adaptation, and reflection. It also involves a lot of experimentation, and learnings. There is no universal recipe, but one of my daily goals is to be present in their lives, creating memorable experiences for them. Listening actively, giving them my time, has been essential to build a relationship of trust and love.”
—Iván Pedraza, Sr Manager, Total Rewards, Watkins Wellness
“Work hard but value the precious time you have with your loved ones. Make sure they feel as valued as you value your work.”
—Justin West, Field Operations Specialist, Seven Seas Water Group
“Communicating well with your managers and family members is the best way to keep expectations aligned.”
—David Wright, Brand Manager, Saunas, Watkins Wellness
“Set boundaries and then focus on doing your best for that moment! Clearly and openly communicate your plans, commitment, and priorities. Don't bring work stress into your family time, and vice versa.”
—Sizhu You, Head of Materials Engineering, Markforged
*All Great Clips® salons are independently owned and operated by third party franchisees. Franchisees, not Great Clips, Inc., are responsible for all hiring and personnel matters at their individual salons.
