Questions for Wickedfire Parents

I work from home, but not self employed. My Kid is 15 weeks and so far so good. I am definitely working harder as the pressure is on, but I love being able to take a break and see my little guy. My wife is incredible and pretty much takes care of him herself. I think I am fortunate to be there to see him laugh and reach all the milestones, instead of being out of the house.
 


Did your productivity rise,fall or stay the same after your first born?

Mine rose in a big way - before my first (I've got 4 now), I was working for crappy money at a startup.

My wife quit work to stay at home (non-stop since 99), so I went from bringing in a little less than half the money to all of it.

So, I got a weekend job editing the sports section of the online edition of a big newspaper, poured a lot more time into my affiliate stuff, picked up a couple clients for web design and maintenance, and looked for a better job.

I was producing like a maniac and making well more than the two of us used to make combined.

At the time, I was commuting into NYC from NJ, so I had 2 1/2 to 3 hours on the train per day. I can't imagine how much more productive I could have been with wifi on the train back then.
 
Hey side note.

Even if your wife is home with the kids if you can afford it get them in part time day care, regular play dates, something.

Kid will have a hard time with other kids unless you start them early. I'm talking toddler age or so.
 
Hey side note.

Even if your wife is home with the kids if you can afford it get them in part time day care, regular play dates, something.

Kid will have a hard time with other kids unless you start them early. I'm talking toddler age or so.

Yeah, agree with this - around 1 yr, ours started showing signs of needing to be around other kids. We take her to a playgroup, and she has friends very close by, so that works well.
 
Got two: 15 and 12. Yeah, they be a huge time sink; but you know they're kids.

I'd lay down my life in an instant without regret for them, But I can not live vicariously through them. It's Not me to be able to do that. They're acheivements are not mine. I have my own goals and I persue them with an almost manic zeal and frenzy at times. Not sorry for this, it's just who I am.
 
It all depends -- unless your wife is at home as well or you have a family member, friend, etc. to help care for the baby you won't be getting much of anything accomplished. It's literally 24/7 with not much sleep!