How is it like being a new parent?

If I had to describe this feeling in a few words, I would say that I’m overwhelmed and overjoyed. It’s been a real rollercoaster ride. Every day with my son, Krishiv, is different and super busy. He is my new alarm clock and I get up with his cry and sleep with his smile. Because of my son, I now have new skill sets in my resume, which include changing diapers, burping techniques, and cooing. It’s like I have my own toy, homegrown and made from scratch!

How has PageGroup been able to support you on this journey of parenting?

I have been very fortunate with regard to the timing. First, due to the lockdown in India, I was able to spend more time with my son at home. Secondly, my manager also became a parent around the same time, which meant that we shared best practices not only around work but in personal life as well. I feel the flexibility at Page and the work-from-home support have really helped me as a new parent. I can spend time with my little one during the day, support my wife and mother-in-law with some small activities around the house and still feel rejuvenated by skiing in a few snuggles with my son. I can now say that I see him grow every single day, which is priceless.

In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges of being a working father and how have you overcome them?

There is a saying: “It takes a village to raise a child”. Today, I know what that truly means. When you have to juggle work that requires a lot of meetings and calls, and you happen to have a crying baby in the background, it requires a lot of effort, planning and energy! Divide and conquer is the mantra I have with my wife. I try to help out after work and sometimes in between my meetings, which allows my wife to get a bit of time to herself. Weekends are when I can contribute more. Gone are the day when I used to have coffee, tea, and smoke breaks. Nowadays, these breaks are called ‘Baby K Breaks’. I also want to give a special shoutout to my mother-in-law, who’s living with us and has been a pure blessing. We couldn’t have done this without her.

What advice would you like to give to other new parents at Page?

You must experience it yourself! No amount of reading can prepare you for parenthood. It’s the biggest on-the-job learning ever and you will have crazy days! Sharing your learnings and asking for advice from other parents always help, but no two babies are alike, and challenges differ. With that said, one smile makes it all worthwhile. My advice: enjoy this enriching life event and capture almost every moment because they grow and change super fast.