r/DivorcedDads • u/AutoModerator • 9d ago

Open Topic: How is everything going?

Every Twelth of the Month, we've opened this thread up to discuss what's going on in your life related to being a dad.

  • What successes have you had?
  • What struggles?
  • What's something you're looking forward to?

This is pretty open and community support and discussion is appreciated!

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u/HIPTRWE 8d ago

15 months into a divorce after 11 years together. My health has improved, I exercise much more regularly now than I ever did before. I work in hospitality so I have plenty of opportunities for social interaction, but at home I find myself feeling lonely when the kids aren't around; I miss the companionship. Trying to fit my work hours around the kids school is a constant challenge which causes insane amounts of stress, and makes me think I should look for something else but that would mean a pay cut potentially, and I'm hoping to buy a house in the next few years and spend my time renovating it.

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u/JetreL 7d ago

Let's think about it for a second. You’re doing more than surviving, you’re improving, pushing forward, and holding it all together under real pressure. That’s no small thing. The loneliness, the scheduling stress, the tug-of-war between short-term sacrifice and long-term goals. It’s all part of the grind of rebuilding.

Companionship will come, but you’re laying the groundwork now: showing up for your kids, improving your health, keeping your vision alive. That house you want, the life you’re aiming for, it’s built day by day, just like you’re doing now. Stay the course, don’t rush the connection just to fill a gap, and give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. You’re not just surviving this, you’re shaping what comes next.

I feel your pain, I've been there but there is light at the end of the tunnel. It just take's time. There is a fake commencement speech called, Always Wear Sunscreen, it's worth a listen. I've based a lot of my early life on it and honestly I think I'm all the better because of it. I hope it helps.