Being a parent helps build a skill set that can help you level up your career - if your employer values them. It can also make you less interested in that advan

Being a parent helps build a skill set that can help you level up your career - if your employer values them. It can also make you less interested in that advancement. My own anecdote: I have two kids (3 and 1). I’ve experienced a bit of a leap in soft skills; empathy, mentorship, and patience, to name a few. This has corresponded with me taking on many more leadership responsibilities in my team, and being recognized as a go-to thought partner and interestingly as an authority on technical matters. I took 6 months of parental leave for the second child (I know, incredibly generous). I came back and received an “exceeds expectations rating”. I have colleagues who are also parents. Several of them are “staff engineers”, the highest level of recognition at our company. On the other hand, I turned down a promotion as I felt I’m already giving all I have time for/didn’t have bandwidth for the extra responsibilities. I’m happy with my current compensation and responsibility set, especially as it allows me to spend time with my family.