Hi, Sorry for the lack of updates recently – and also for lack of the questionnaire (for those of you waiting for it).
I took an unplanned break to make an important decision and I needed a few days to weigh up the implications.
I’ve decided to give up as a full time stay at home dad and go back to my career on a part time basis. Whilst some people know what I do for a living, I can’t speak about it openly because I’m not permitted to use my position to gain financial advantage. What I will say is that I work in a vocational role in the public sector.
The truth is I don’t want to go back, not yet anyway, but needs must and all that jazz.
As far as this project is concerned I’m going to continue with it.
But at least now I feel I can slow down, I can lose the air desperation and get on with providing great way to promote your websites and between us donate lots of money to good causes.
So, in the knowledge that I am shortly going back the the world of the employed, I’m going to make sure I have the best time with my children in the few weeks that remain. Hopefully that won’t put too much of a dent in what I’m doing here, but it will have some impact and I hope you’ll understand.
I’ll miss being a full time stay at home dad, it’s been a truly wonderful experience and I’ll always be grateful I had the chance to do it.
Give me a while and I’ll be back on form with the Mona Lisa Million.
I still believe it’s an awesome project and I still want you all to benefit from your association with it.
Have a great weekend.
….and, thank you! 
Dave
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Twitter: hmx5
August 7, 2010 at 21:30
Dave,
I know this was a hard decision for you, but what a blessing for your family as they remain your highest priority, no matter what. Your children will love you as a stay at home dad or as an office worker. So will I, if that counts for anything.
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 7, 2010 at 21:37
Erica, thank you, it does count, it counts for a great deal.
It was a tough decision but it was the right one. I am so lucky that in these difficult economic times I can go back to my old career. I’ll still get to spend a lot of time with my children, so to them I’ll still appear to be home a lot.
Thanks Erica, I’m delighted you took the time to say what you did. It means a lot.
Dave
Best of luck to you. I hope your project continues to grow and that eventually (if you want) you can return to being a full time dad.
Thanks for sharing your decision with us.
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 7, 2010 at 21:43
Aja, thank you so much!
I feel as certain now as I have from the start that this project will do well and benefit us all along the way. My intention is still to raise lots of money and give lots of money to good causes.
I would love to remain a stay at home dad, and if the circumstances are right I’d love to return to that role one day.
Thanks again, Aja!!
Dave
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 7, 2010 at 21:55
I’m going to use my decision as an opportunity to catch up on some sleep and get an early night.
Thank you Erica and Aja, for leaving such supportive messages and so quickly too.
I’ll be back tomorrow!!
Whilst my wife was away for the last week studying and over the last weeks with chicken pox I’ve had 3 weeks with my kids. I’ve loved it and I’m going to miss this when I return to work this Tuesday. I can believe that the decision to return to work must have been a heart breaking one but bills have to be paid.
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 8, 2010 at 13:01
Indeed. The bills must be paid! And that’s exactly what lies behind the decision. Still, I’ve had a great time and who knows, I might be able to return to full time SAHD one day?!!
Thank you, Nigel!!
Hi Dave. Happy and sad to hear of your status change. Happy you did what you needed to do, and that you were truly fortunate to have that fall back options. Sad that it may slightly delay the success of the Mona Lisa Million projects, and keep you from having as much time with your kids.
Keep in touch!
-Tim
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 8, 2010 at 13:05
Hi Tim, I should be happy about it really, but I’ve become so used to being at home working when I want to work that I’ll find it difficult to dance to someone else’s tune again. It’s all good though. A short sharp dose of the real world might give me the jolt I need to make the Mona Lisa Million Project work.
Thanks for your support Tim!!
Twitter: lance02
August 8, 2010 at 02:14
Dave,
Have a rockin’ time with those awesome kids of yours (in the coming weeks…and always!!)!!
I’m sure that being a stay at home Dad has been amazing, and it’s something your children will always have…and that right there is all sorts of AWESOME (…just like YOU!)!!
It’s great knowing you, my friend…
Lance
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 8, 2010 at 13:08
Lance you fantastic fellow you!
I’ve been here before, except this time I have no choice but to follow through and make the return to work. It got me in the end!!
It’s not over yet though. I haven’t given in. I shall persist.
Great to know you too Lance!!
Twitter: mazda__madness
August 8, 2010 at 13:33
It’s no bad thing, even thought it feels like it sometime
I find going to work forces my brain to switch off from cars and blogs so I come back to it with a fresher eye.
Often solve my most niggling problems and come up with my better ideas after coming in from work as I’m keen to get back to socket sets and anchor text!
Plus the pennies coming in means I can keep blogging and doing the motor. Even Darren Rowse had to get a ‘proper’ job at one point in his blogging career!
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 8, 2010 at 18:09
Yay Strawbs!! I could be quite refreshing and maybe form the turning point in my journey.
The point you made about Darren Rouse is also true of Peter Jones of Dragon’s Den fame. He abandoned his ambitions briefly to return to work and briong home the bacon. Look at him now. A multi millionaire!!
Thanks for the supportive words, much appreciated.
Dave, I know how tough it was to make the decision, yet it’s not full-out. Doing it part-time may be more tiring in some respects, but the benefit will be all the joy you still get from your home moments. I hope you can relax into it and find a way to just let it all flow. Enjoy your work and the good you do, enjoy your family and the love you share, and enjoy your interests whenever and however you can—without putting any pressure on yourself. You’re just spreading the love that is you.
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 16, 2010 at 07:35
Julie, what a wonderful message! Thank you.
This is brilliant. This is exactly the sort of perspective I’ve been trying to achieve over the last week and as you suggest I think there will be a positive side to my return to work.
Going with the flow is good!!
Twitter: tara_cain
August 16, 2010 at 17:43
Thinking of you my friend. Thinking of you. I know how big a deal this is for you x
Twitter: DaveFowler
August 16, 2010 at 17:56
Thanks Tara, it’s definitely happening this time. I know I’ve slipped off the hook so many times before but barring a jackpot win on the lottery or a six figure offer for my website I see no way of avoiding the draft this time.
I’m trying to keep an open mind and see it as a good thing.
Thanks for the support TC!!
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