Being a dad is a full-time commitment. Add a dynamic and demanding career in cybersecurity — where the threat landscape is constantly evolving — and AI is transforming the world into the equation, and it often feels like managing two high-stakes worlds at once. On top of that, I’m enrolled in a leadership program at Cisco and pursuing a Master’s in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech.
Some days, I feel like I’m thriving, conquering my goals as a professional, a student, and a father. On other days, it’s like running a marathon while juggling flaming torches. Fatherhood and my career are passions that drive me, and through it all, I have discovered valuable strategies, benefits, and lessons to navigate the challenges.
- Helping my daughter, a student-athlete, manage her busy schedule while trying to maintain my own often means late nights and early mornings for us both. She has practices, commitments, and in-and-out-of-state tournaments that require travel. The work-life balance Cisco provides has made a lot of this possible. Being able to work from wherever and take time off means I never miss a minute when it matters.
- Studying for a Master’s in Cybersecurity at Georgia Tech requires juggling coursework, group projects, and exams. Cisco’s tuition assistance makes that juggling a little easier.
- Leading in a field where the threat landscape evolves daily, requires constant learning and adaptation to new technologies like AI. Cisco provides great training to keep professionals like me ahead of the curve with ever-evolving technology.
- Participating in leadership development programs through Cisco, like the Information Technology Senior Management Forum and the Aspiring Leader Program, allows me to set an example for my family while providing me with the knowledge, tools, and professional maturity to excel in my career.
Despite these challenges, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Fatherhood fuels my purpose. Being a dad motivates me to advance my career and build a future that ensures stability and opportunity for my family. The determination and resilience necessary for parenting mirrors what is needed to navigate cybersecurity’s complexities.
- Skills overlap. Managing a household with an active student-athlete has taught me time management, adaptability, and prioritization. These are the same skills I apply to cybersecurity, analyzing risks or assisting customers, making quick decisions, and staying organized under pressure.
- It takes a village. Leaning on my community has been a game-changer. Having good leaders, mentors, and colleagues at Cisco is key. Whether it’s support from other people in tech, coworkers, friends, or my family, knowing I’m not alone in this journey — career or parenting — keeps me going.
- Adjustments are key. None of this is easy, and there are times when I fall short. It’s in these moments of reflection that I find the strength to adjust and keep moving forward. Balancing these demands isn’t for everyone. It’s time-consuming and, at times, overwhelming. There are moments when I question if I’m taking on too much, but recognizing those feelings and finding ways to adapt is what truly matters.
Balancing fatherhood and a cybersecurity career isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress. Every time my daughter excels in practice or tournaments and when I reach a milestone or successfully complete an assignment, or exam and complete a course, these moments reinforce the notion that the effort and dedication I invest in both my family and career are meaningful and, ultimately, are worth it.
To all the dads out there balancing career and family: You’re doing an amazing job. Every sacrifice and success, no matter how small, is a testament to your dedication. Celebrate the wins, learn from the challenges, and remember that you’re shaping a future for your family and yourself.
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