Parenthood Bytes

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Tio, a Staff Frontend Engineer at Proper and a devoted father of two young girls, aged 2 and a newborn (as of the date this episode is published). His second daughter was born on January 9!

Andrew shares insights into his experience managing the delicate balance between work and family life. Despite the challenges, Andrew emphasizes the importance of being intentional about dedicating quality time to kids outside of work commitments. He also stresses the significance of carving out moments for "me" time when possible, while not taking time away from work or kids. Andrew advocates for remote work as a valuable option for parents, highlighting its potential to facilitate a healthier work-life dynamic. He candidly acknowledges the difficulties of parenting, underscoring the necessity of recognizing and verbalizing the challenges in raising children. Ultimately, Andrew emphasizes the importance of adaptability and spontaneity in navigating the complexities of parenthood, as much as one may strive to plan ahead.

In this podcast episode, Ahmed Siddiqui, author of Anatomy of the Swipe, instructor for Academy of the Swipe, and a Product Leader at Branch, shares insights into his journey balancing career and family life. With three children aged 10, 8, and 4, Ahmed reflects on how his approach to work has evolved since becoming a parent over a decade ago. He emphasizes the importance of being intentional in managing work-life balance, particularly in prioritizing time with his children.

Ahmed acknowledges the challenges of staying present with his kids amidst professional responsibilities, highlighting the struggle to maintain a balance of time. He underscores the significance of consciously putting away distractions like smartphones to fully engage with family.

While the transition to parenthood can be daunting, Ahmed reassures listeners that it's a natural part of the journey. Moreover, he shares insights into the dynamics of having multiple children, noting that while it may seem like more work, the experience is ultimately enriching. Ahmed emphasizes the importance of nurturing the relationship with one's partner amidst the demands of parenting multiple children, advocating for intentional time spent together.

If you'd like to purchase Ahmed's book, you can find it on Amazon @ https://a.co/d/1hu1fKN.

In this episode, Emily Price, a Staff Technical Product Manager at Singularity 6 and a mother of two young children, aged 5 and 2, shares her insights on navigating career expectations and childcare responsibilities after becoming a parent.

Emily emphasizes the need to adjust and reset expectations regarding one's job after having children. She offers valuable advice for parents, highlighting the importance of open communication and alignment with everyone involved in childcare planning. Recognizing that different individuals may have varying expectations regarding childcare arrangements, Emily stresses the significance of reaching a consensus on what these arrangements entail.

Furthermore, Emily suggests setting daily intentions to stay focused and productive amidst parental responsibilities. She advocates for taking time at the end of each day to reflect and cultivate a mindset of gratitude and calmness. Regarding childcare logistics, Emily advises parents to proactively join waitlists and submit applications early to secure childcare options effectively.

In this podcast episode, we interview Omar McNeil, a Staff L&D Program Manager at Github based in North Carolina, who also runs a YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@omarvelouslyblerdy12. Omar, a father of two (ages 10 and 7), shares valuable insights about balancing work and family life, particularly emphasizing the importance of thoroughly assessing job benefits.

Omar highlights the significance of considering the entire job package, especially benefits, when evaluating a new position. He stresses the need for planning when going on parental leave, ensuring tasks are delegated, and that leadership has the necessary resources in place during one's absence.

Time management emerges as a key theme in Omar's discussion, advocating for time-blocking schedules and effective delegation to navigate the demands of both work and parenting. He acknowledges the occasional necessity of saying no and the importance of maintaining a joint family calendar to organize activities and tasks.

For new parents, Omar offers practical advice, urging them to be patient and embrace the learning curve. Supporting each other and finding joy in the parenting journey are also crucial aspects, as parenthood is a wild and crazy ride that should be savored despite its challenges. Omar's parting advice is to enjoy the moments, as time flies by quickly.

You can find Omar's channel at https://www.youtube.com/@omarvelouslyblerdy12.

In this episode, we have a insightful conversation with Hita Gambheer, a Staff Software Engineer at Marqeta, residing in the Bay Area. Hita is a mother of three, with twins aged 5 and a 1.5 year old baby. She candidly shares her experiences and strategies for navigating the complex balance between a demanding career and the responsibilities of parenthood.

Hita touches on the pervasive challenge of mom guilt and the realization that trying to operate at full throttle both at work and in parenting isn't sustainable.

The episode unfolds with Hita offering practical tips for fellow parents in the tech industry. She advises against the assumption that weekends need to be dedicated to work, emphasizing the importance of setting realistic commitments to avoid overworking. Hita advocates for a balanced approach, highlighting that demonstrating productivity doesn't require sacrificing personal time.

Hita encourages listeners not to stress excessively about work or their children. She reminds us that everything has its time, and it's crucial to take things one day at a time. Her insights provide a refreshing perspective on achieving a harmonious balance between professional and family life, making this episode a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of parenthood in the tech world.

In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Hans, a Senior Engineer based in the Bay Area and a parent to two children aged 12 and 9. Aaron shares his experiences and insights into the delicate process of adjusting to the intersection of work and life, all while striving to be the best parent possible.

A key theme in Aaron's discussion is the importance of having control over one's time. He emphasizes that this control enables him to focus on his children and prioritize his own health, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Aaron candidly opens up about how having kids is way harder than anticipated but it's okay if things get tough and if mistakes are made along the way. The learning process is ongoing, and parents grow alongside their children, gaining wisdom and insights through shared experiences.

In this episode, we engage in a compelling conversation with Jon Koon, an Engineering Leader at Hubspot based in Atlanta, Georgia, who brings 15 years of rich experience in the tech industry. What makes Jon's story particularly unique is not just his professional journey but also his experience of becoming a parent at a younger age than most, raising three children aged 12, 10, and 8. He shares insights into his distinctive parenting journey, having undergone three different types of parental leave.

Jon delves into the crux of work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of setting clear and firm boundaries while establishing expectations both at work and within the family dynamic. His approach to maintaining this balance involves a conscious decision to keep work-related communication channels separate from personal life, with no work emails or Slack on his cell phone. This deliberate choice allows him to be fully present in both professional and family spheres without the constant intrusion of work-related notifications.

A valuable tip Jon offers to parents is to treat their children like little adults, fostering an environment where mistakes are not only allowed but encouraged as part of the learning process. He advocates for supporting children in pursuing their passions and interests rather than forcing them into predetermined molds. Jon stresses the idea that work should be a footnote in the grander narrative of one's relationship with kids and family.

Additionally, Jon highlights the significance of taking full advantage of parental leave opportunities, using this time to connect with and enjoy moments with your children.

In this episode, we chat with Bernadette, a Director of Risk who brings a unique perspective to the table. Despite spending the majority of her career outside the tech industry, she has embraced the challenges and opportunities of the field for the past 7 years.

Bernadette shares the distinctive challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly the perpetual feeling that more could be done on both fronts. However, she offers a reassuring insight—nobody expects perfection all the time. Bernadette reflects on the struggle of accepting that it's okay for both work and family to have their demands without the expectation of always giving 100%.

A significant aspect of the discussion revolves around Bernadette's experience as a parent to a 24-year-old son. She delves into the complexities of allowing him to make his own mistakes and learn from them, acknowledging the inherent difficulty in stepping back and letting the learning process unfold naturally.

Bernadette provides a practical tip on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of intentional disconnection when taking time away from work. By setting clear boundaries and being fully present during family time, she believes it's possible to create a more fulfilling and harmonious balance between professional and personal life.

In this episode, we engage in a captivating conversation with Adam Cando, a seasoned software engineering manager at Loyal, with over 13 years of experience in the tech industry, and is currently raising a 4-year-old.

Adam reflects on the advantageous aspects of a tech career, emphasizing the flexibility it affords, including accommodating work hours and the ability to be present for his child whenever necessary. A unique aspect of his parenting approach is highlighted as he discusses the practice of gifting experiences rather than physical items to his daughter. He shares how this strategy has accelerated her learning and development, setting her on a unique path compared to her peers. Adam encourages parents to incorporate their passions into their children's upbringing, creating a more enriching and fulfilling family dynamic.

Tune in to this episode for a blend of professional wisdom and parenting insights, as Adam shares his experiences, offering valuable tips for those navigating the intersection of a demanding tech career and the joys of parenthood.

In this episode, we sit down with Pedro Rico, a seasoned Staff Software Engineer in the music streaming industry with 16-17 years of experience. Alongside his tech career, Pedro is also a dedicated parent to a 6-year-old son.

Pedro candidly shares his most significant parental challenge—navigating the delicate balance between ambitious career goals and family life. Pedro talks about how he manages to juggle both aspects of his life while striving to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Pedro offers a practical tip for those contemplating parenthood. He suggests that if you have a penchant for travel or enjoy adult-oriented experiences such as museum visits, it's advisable to indulge in these before starting a family. However, for parents who embark on adventures with young kids, Pedro provides a checklist of essential items for a smooth journey, including snacks, extra diapers, a car seat, items to help children adjust their ears, and of course extra clothing for you and your children!

Tune in to hear more about Pedro's experiences and struggles managing life as a parent and as a parent in tech.