I became a father for the first time in 2024, and we recently welcomed our son into the family. This journey has not only turned my everyday life upside down, but also sharpened my perspective on what truly matters in life.
In my latest video, I share my thoughts on what fatherhood has taught me so far – and why I am more grateful than ever for my independence.
You often hear people say before the birth: "Enjoy this time while you can, after that your freedom is over!" I see it differently. Yes, priorities shift dramatically. But it's not an end, but rather an expansion of life.
Especially in the first weeks and years, it's so crucial to be present. Not just as a "helper," but as an active participant. Being able to be fully there for my wife and daughter during the first four weeks after my son's birth—cooking, doing laundry, walking the dog—wasn't a luxury, but a conscious decision.
This brings me to my work: For me, the greatest advantage of self-employment is not the money or the status, but the autonomy over my time.
In a typical 9-to-5 job, it would hardly have been possible to be with my family to this extent. The first years of a child's life are irreplaceable. For me, the decision to perhaps slow down professionally to be there for their first steps or their first laugh is the epitome of success.
As I also mention in the video: None of us has all the answers. I'm a first-time father of a toddler, and my daughter is a first-time toddler. We're both learning something new every day – about emotions, about boundaries, and about patience.
Life is not a destination to be reached, but a process. And being able to fully enjoy this process with my family is the greatest gift.
