I cofounded my AI startup while on paternity leave. Here's how I balance work and being a dad.

Aaron Cannon, a 37-year-old entrepreneur from San Francisco, shares his unique experience of founding his company, Outset, during his paternity leave. For Cannon, the timing of starting a family and a startup intertwined closely, leading to a whirlwind of responsibilities that some might deem overwhelming. Reflecting on this decision, he acknowledges that many might view his choice as somewhat reckless. He occasionally finds himself contemplating how different things might have been if he had embarked on this journey as a younger, single man. However, he quickly reminds himself of the lessons learned over the years. During his paternity leave, Cannon found himself in a mental space that allowed for deep reflection. With the demands of parenthood keeping him physically occupied, he lacked intellectual stimulation, prompting him to dream about his future career aspirations. Balancing the intense demands of being a startup founder with fatherhood is no easy feat, as he notes that 'work-life balance' is a misnomer for his current reality. Every moment of his day is meticulously prioritized, with family and work taking precedence over everything else. Cannon describes the challenge of maintaining presence at home after a high-pressure day. "I don’t have the luxury of saying I need a breather," he explains, emphasizing that every day at his startup is a whirlwind of activity. His routine involves picking up his son from preschool, a ritual that enforces a boundary between work and home life. After picking up his child, he takes on the responsibilities of dinner and bedtime, carving out precious moments with his family before diving back into work. Cannon credits his cofounder with helping to balance their commitments; while one of them stays later, the other comes in early. This arrangement allows them to fulfill their roles as founders while also respecting family time. He reflects on the importance of being fully present, especially as he navigates the intricate task of explaining concepts like seasons to his young child after a demanding workday. Participating in Y Combinator in 2023, Cannon faced challenges as one of the older participants. He recognizes that being a father offers him vital perspective. The pressures of startup life can easily consume a founder, but moments spent with his son serve as a grounding reminder of what truly matters. Cannon aspires to set an example for his child, demonstrating that pursuing one's dreams is worthwhile. While his startup journey is a significant chapter in his life, he understands it's not the entirety of his existence. The essence of his journey is clear: being present as a father is paramount, especially during these fleeting early years of his child's life.