A Proud Moment in My Life

A big conversation, over a quiet moment.

By Brent, the guy behind Aussie Dadding.

So the other day my son approached me with a question I was not ready for and I cringed…

Let’s go back a little…

For a while I had noticed that my oldest son, although thriving at practically all aspects of life, had not been happy with his university choices. I had always been proud of his results in school, his choices in courses and had always supported his decisions as I truly believe that he is the type of human capable of rational, responsible and appropriate decisions.

Now let’s set the scene: It was late afternoon on a Thursday and the world had already taken from me everything I could give for that week, let alone day when I got the call. A call most of us fathers would dread for at least one reason or another… “the call”…

‘Dad’ he began, ‘I was thinking of dropping out of uni… And I was thinking maybe I should come work with you’…

Sucking up every emotion I had, I asked him if I could call him back because the last thing I wanted to do was to give him the wrong answer… and explained to him that it was impossible to communicate effectively my stance given the current predicament.

It took me three days to return his call and address this subject… It was a lot to digest, and I had no idea how to advise my son on such big topics that were so emotionally charged in so many ways.

I realised that there was no use trying to battle his decision regarding dropping out of uni and I had to find a sustainable and harmonious way to create a positive work environment for us – for no one could refuse their own child a “place at their table” so to speak.

I made contact… I found the way to ensure that he stays committed until the year’s end at uni but simultaneously allow him to explore options to work within my realm in any capacity that excluded him and I being directly obligated to each other…

I allowed him to find his own place at the table… A place fully autonomous from me, but bringing his own interests and strengths to the table. He had the option to work in my commercial business or here at Aussie Dadding…

Guess what?

I have a big announcement… Welcome to the team Alex.

You will bring much needed technical and technological experience to our organisation. Something I know I have been generally lacking. As well as great pride and some happy tears.

I am proud of you for having the courage to approach me with such big news and I am also proud of you for autonomously finding your niche in our team and filling it.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Every dad will be better off because of your courage. I love you.