'It breaks my heart every time': Bengaluru dad torn between job and 1-year-old son

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The pressure of long working hours is something many professionals quietly deal with every day. But when it starts affecting time with family, especially young children, the situation becomes more personal. A recent Reddit post by a Bengaluru-based man has brought this reality into focus, starting a wider conversation about job pressure , parenting, and difficult life choices.
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Long hours, less time at home
In his post, the man shared that his daily routine stretches from early morning to late at night. He said this kind of schedule has left him feeling constantly tired.

At the same time, what troubles him more is what he is missing at home. He spoke about his one-year-old son, who often crawls towards him, hoping for attention or playtime.

Because of work calls and urgent tasks, he is not always able to respond. Talking about these moments, he wrote, “The look on his face stays with me… and it breaks my heart every single time.”

A growing concern about missing childhood moments
The father shared that he does not want to keep missing important early stages of his child’s life. He pointed out that these moments are temporary and cannot be brought back later.

This thought has been weighing on his mind and has made him question whether his current work routine is sustainable.

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Thinking of taking a different path
Amid this situation, the man also spoke about exploring a new idea. He mentioned that he has been working on a cricket-based card game , something he finds exciting.

The idea is still in the early stage, but it has given him a sense of direction. However, leaving a stable job is not an easy decision.

He expressed his confusion by writing, “I’m just trying to figure out… is it worth taking that leap? To leave behind stability for something uncertain but meaningful – not just for me, but for the life I want with my son.”

People online share mixed views
The post quickly received attention, with many users sharing their own thoughts.

One user related closely and said, “Bro, I am stuck just like you. I am the only bread earner. I'm ready to quit and pick up trading.”

Another user pointed out a possible downside: “Startup will take more of your time than a stable job.”

A third user shared a different take: “Kids lose their babyish charm and cuteness once they enter school and begin to grow... Once the kid reaches adulthood, he will not appreciate that his father had sacrificed his career for him.”

Some also advised him to think carefully before making a decision. One comment read, “Given the current job market, I'd say don't quit if you want to be safe; try to manage timings here and there, but don't make a life-changing decision.”

Disclaimer: This article is based on a post shared on Reddit and reflects the user’s personal experience and opinions. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims.

Thumb image: Canva (for representative purposes only)