I launched my startup when my three kids were 1, 4, and 7 years old.
I started my journey in the tech industry as a software engineer. early on, I worked with both startups and larger companies, learning the demands of the industry.
I quickly found myself drawn to entrepreneurship. In 2009, I co-founded Zibtek, a software advancement company, which has grown rapidly over the years.
Leading a growing team while trying to be present for my family has been one of the most challenging parts of my career.
Being a startup founder has often meant long hours,constant connectivity,and difficulty fully disengaging from work
Table of Contents
- Being a startup founder has often meant long hours,constant connectivity,and difficulty fully disengaging from work
- Buisness Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
- My kids’ disappointment was a wake-up call for me
- I’m committed to continuing to improve my balance between work and family
As a founder,there’s no clear stop to the day,and the work doesn’t really end. I work roughly 60 to 70 hours a week,with many late evenings and frequent weekend work. This leaves me with just small pockets of time with my family.
The emotional toll of missing key family moments is heavy, and it can feel like I’m never fully succeeding at either work or home.
I’m always on-call, and there’s always more to do. I often find myself juggling client needs, team management, and finding time for my kids and family events.
Buisness Insider tells the innovative stories you want to know
there’s an expectation for me to always be present for my team and clients because – especially as a founder – clients and teams expect fast turnarounds. I receive messages late at night or on weekends that need immediate attention.
My team is understanding, but I do feel the pressure to be available.
My kids’ disappointment was a wake-up call for me
When my kids were growing up, I’d try to be there for breakfast or bedtime routines and loved to attend their activities, but it was inconsistent.
Once, I was working on a critical client project, and dinner had already started without me. I walked in late, and my youngest asked, “Daddy, why don’t you eat with us anymore?” It was a gut punch; I felt terrible for missing yet another dinner.
This used to happen frequently – several times a week – but I’ve worked hard to cut it down.
I’ve also had to choose between attending a school function and going to a client meeting. A couple of years…
I’m committed to continuing to improve my balance between work and family
Today, my kids are 16, 19, and 23. What it looks like to prioritize spending time with my family has changed as they’ve gotten older. What used to be finding time to help brush teeth and read books now looks more like nightly check-ins were we talk about the best and worst of the day.
As my kids grow, I want to be even more intentional about how I divide my time. My hope is to create more structure around work hours, delegate more obligation, and ensure that I’m fully present during family time.
Over the last few years, I’ve become much better at putting away my phone and making time for family when I’m home. Balancing fatherhood and the demands of running a tech company is challenging, but it’s a journey that I’m committed to improving.
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