As an IT director, I spend my days managing systems, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring everything runs smoothly. At home, I’m a dad to two beautiful, spirited daughters—Hailey, who just turned 4 in June, and Emmy, our mischievous 2-year-old who joined her sister at school this past fall. While these two roles may seem worlds apart, the longer I’ve balanced both, the more I realize they have striking similarities. Here’s how running an IT department compares to raising two little girls.
1. The Unexpected Always Happens
In IT, no matter how carefully you plan, there’s always an unexpected server crash, a rogue bug, or a last-minute project request that turns your day upside down. At home, it’s the same. One minute, Hailey and Emmy are playing peacefully; the next, someone’s crying because a crayon broke or there’s yogurt smeared across the couch (again). Whether it’s a system outage or a toddler tantrum, staying calm and thinking on your feet is essential.
2. The Importance of Communication
In IT, clear communication is key. Whether I’m explaining technical issues to non-technical colleagues or coordinating with my team, miscommunication can lead to bigger problems. At home, explaining things to a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old requires a similar level of finesse. “We can’t have ice cream for breakfast” needs to be delivered with the right balance of firmness and empathy, or chaos will ensue. And just like at work, repeating myself is often part of the job.
3. Systems Need Regular Maintenance
Servers and networks need updates, patches, and regular maintenance to keep running smoothly. Similarly, routines and schedules are the backbone of our family life. Nap times, meal times, and bedtime rituals keep the chaos manageable (most days). Just like skipping a critical update can cause downtime, missing nap time with Emmy can lead to epic meltdowns that rival any system failure.
4. Troubleshooting Is a Daily Task
In IT, troubleshooting is second nature. Why is the printer not connecting? Why is this software crashing? At home, the questions are different but equally perplexing: Why won’t Hailey eat the sandwich she asked for 10 minutes ago? Why does Emmy only want to wear mismatched socks? Solving these puzzles requires patience, creativity, and a willingness to try different solutions until something sticks.
5. You’re Always on Call
Being an IT director means you’re never fully off the clock. A server issue at midnight? I’m on it. Being a parent? Same story. The girls don’t care if it’s 3 AM—if they’re awake, I’m awake. Whether it’s fixing a system or comforting a toddler after a nightmare, the job doesn’t stop just because the sun has set.
6. Celebrating Small Wins
In IT, solving a tricky problem or launching a successful project feels great. At home, the victories might be smaller but just as rewarding: Hailey learning to tie her shoes, Emmy using the potty for the first time, or both girls sharing a toy without being asked. These moments remind me why I do what I do—both at work and at home.
7. Building for the Future
One of my favorite parts of being an IT director is building systems and processes that will last. At home, the same principle applies. Whether it’s teaching Hailey and Emmy kindness, resilience, or how to problem-solve, I’m investing in their future. Just like the infrastructure I build at work, I hope the lessons I teach my daughters will serve them well for years to come.
Conclusion: Two Full-Time Jobs, Endless Rewards
Balancing life as an IT director and a dad to two little girls isn’t always easy, but it’s incredibly fulfilling. Both roles require patience, adaptability, and a sense of humor. Whether I’m debugging a server or mediating a crayon dispute, I’m constantly learning and growing. And while my days might be busy, the hugs, laughter, and milestones at home make every challenge worth it. After all, whether it’s a successful system upgrade or a family dance party in the living room, these are the moments that make it all worthwhile.