An engineering manager reflects on starting a new EM role while becoming a father for the second time, drawing parallels between the two experiences. Key themes include accepting responsibility without being overwhelmed, learning to drop non-essential tasks, and building mental resilience. The author contrasts first-time anxiety with second-time confidence in both parenting and management, emphasizing that hard stretches pass and having a support system is critical. A weekly mental scanning practice across five life areas is shared as a practical coping tool.
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