I guess I qualify as a "Tech Dad". I run a tech business and father of 3 (11 years,10 years, 18 months). The most critical support network is your wife. Period.

I guess I qualify as a "Tech Dad". I run a tech business and father of 3 (11 years,10 years, 18 months). The most critical support network is your wife. Period. Full stop. If you have anything less than 100% support (mental and physical) from your wife and vice versa, you will be in trouble. I am lucky that I have that from my wife and only after that, I still have tons of difficulties to juggle b/w working on the business, figuring out time to spend with the family and do some side projects as well (which I am always cooking) For me, it is about saying No to many things unfortunately. I cannot take the regular vacations that people like to take. I would rather spend 2 hours taking my family to a dinner together than trying to plan a 4 day vacation which is tough to get done. I don't have lot of time for friends anymore plus most of my "true" friends were from high school/college and it is tough to stay in touch with many that live far apart. You don't really make true friends at work or neighborhood (usually). I just focus on what I really like to do and be selfish if needed as long as I am not ignoring my family and my work. Everything else suffers and takes a back seat. You can only do so much with 24 hours in a day.