It is undeniable that a father’s love plays a big role in influencing their children’s growing up years. After all, as the saying goes:
A dad is the anchor upon which his children stand.
This Father’s Day, we would like to shine the spotlight on some of our fathers in Homage from Singapore and Malaysia for all the good work that they have done — and for always making a conscious and deliberate effort to be involved and present in their children’s lives, while balancing their work commitments.
Hear their stories below!
Darren Yong – Head of B2G Business (SG)
What inspired you to join Homage?
Coming from the professional services industry in my first 4 years of working, I always wanted to be a part of a growth story which led me to seek out early stage startup opportunities. I stumbled upon Homage by chance on Indeed with an open role in Business Intelligence – it sounded extremely interesting! Of course, after getting to meet the early team and learning more about the vision, it was a no brainer 🙂
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
I think the first thing to go is sleep luxury – unless the baby is really sleeping soundly, expect to be woken up pretty early in the morning.
Next to go is your free time, which is replaced by my kid’s routines.
The typical after-work routine is to support my wife with feeding my son dinner, bathing him and then handing him back to my wife to help him fall asleep by 8+pm. I’ll sometimes start cooking then and have my dinner after 9pm. After washing up, it’s typically past 11pm – leaving me with ‘free time’ for an hour or so before bedtime.
The biggest challenge is therefore striking the right balance between different aspects of life, especially work, family and personal hobbies.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
That what you say, do and teach will have a lifelong impact on your kids. It’s hard to fathom, which makes you just want to keep being a better version of yourself.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
You’re struggling and figuring things out as you go, which is pretty crazy – so embrace it! Make sure to keep talking things out with your spouse on expectations and responsibilities so that both parents are able to find a right balance amidst the daily grind.
Wai Soon Yee – Southern General Manager (MY)
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
Nothing much have changed in my day-to-day work life because we can always plan ahead to get the kids sorted out in advance. I always believe in having a good support system among friends and family members and I am blessed to have them around in raising my kids (special shout-outs to my mother-in-law, my children’s nanny and of course my wife even though she’s a working mum). Having said that, there is a lot of commitment and sacrifices needed to be given to the kids be it time, attention or expenses.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
Being a dad allows me to view things differently. One of the main things is to appreciate and treasure every moment that we have with the kids and family. These precious moments that we choose to cherish and remember will keep us happy and give us the courage to face adversities in life.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
I would like to share that it’s not all rainbows and butterflies dealing with kids, but we have to embrace all the ups and downs as a parent. We will be able to do things that we thought we weren’t able to. To their children, dads are heroes without a cape.
Alan Tang – Head of Strategy & Operations (MY)
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
Work life really changed for me when I realised that I make up the world that my child only knows. Because of that I have to be even more disciplined with my schedules and be more effective at work, so that I can be more present when I’m around Ollie. One notable change at work is that I no longer leave working sessions fluid. Every working session now must be intentional and pre-planned.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
The best thing about being a dad is that you believe again — the world’s your oyster, tooth fairies are real and you will be the next President that cures cancer.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
Know that everything you do is already the best to your child. And as long as you keep trying to be the best version of yourself, you are already giving the best to your child.
Ren – Chief Growth Officer (SG)
What inspired you to join Homage?
I first got to know about Homage through a personal experience seeking caregiving support for my mum who met with an accident in 2021, and empathised greatly with those in our community who go through this on a daily basis. Through a couple of serendipitous connections, I ended up speaking with our founder, Gillian, and next thing you know, here I am!
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
I’ve been a father to 2 kids for 9 years now. In general, being a dad really changes your perspective on how life should be on a day-to-day basis, and priorities definitely will shift (no more 3am nights out…), but usually for the better. I’ve also come to understand that one must also keep fit and healthy to have enough energy to keep up with 2 infinite balls of energy, so that’s also improved my own personal health journey.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
Although the years from 0-5 years old can sometimes (usually more than just sometimes) be a dark memory cloud because of the logistics/sleepless nights/unreasonable tantrums, now that they are full-functioning human beings, it’s been super fun teaching them new things, taking them to new places and exposing them to new experiences!
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
In summary – kids are not a logical decision, but nonetheless was one of the best decisions of my life. To all the other dads with young kids – just survive the first 5 years and you’ll be fine 🙂
Faisal Ridzuan – Klang Valley Care Professional (MY)
What inspired you to join Homage?
The flexibility to select my working hours was the key factor that drew me to Homage – highly adaptable and ideal for me to balance job and family commitments!
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
Fatherhood isn’t a one-size-fits-all cap you simply slip on once you have a child. Once you become a father, you might start to feel the pressure of being a provider for your family while maintaining your performance at work. If you have a heavy workload or little choice about your hours, you can end up tired and stressed. There might even be less time for your family and yourself.
For me, the most significant change and struggle as a father is balancing time to educate children while still meeting the responsibilities of my career.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
In a religious point of view and as a Muslim dad, nothing makes me happier than seeing my children absorbing all the religious teachings that I have planted upon them. It is amazing to see that they hear the call to prayer and persevere to pray on time. In Islam, a person who follows their obligations is considered to be exceedingly successful in this world and the hereafter. Most of the children that maintain their prayers are extremely respectful of time and I am pleased to see that the individuals they are becoming now are precisely what I pictured them to be.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
Remember that great and successful children also come from great and successful fathers.
Aaron Ang – Head of Operations (SG)
What inspired you to join Homage?
I joined Homage because I’m always fascinated about how we can use technology to increase efficiency in our daily lives, especially so in healthcare.
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
There is definitely less me-time after work, with my 2 kids screaming for my attention the moment I reach home after work.
Should there be any additional work to be done, I will wait till the whole family is asleep before starting work again at night.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
Whenever I feel exhausted from work, all the stress goes away once I see my kids smiling and running towards me when I get home. Being a dad also helps me deal with any difficulties or issues I face in my life in a more matured, composed manner.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
You guys are the best dads in your own way! Continue to inspire your kids to live their lives to the fullest!
Arjuna Fariz – Johor Bahru Care Professional (MY)
What inspired you to join Homage?
I like assisting individuals of all ages and races. I am convinced that with the skills I have, I can give more to the community in need.
How’s your work life after becoming a father?
My working life does not shift much as they are still set according to office hours. Coming home from work can feel like ending one shift and starting another, especially in the early days. This can be very demanding, but it can also be hugely rewarding. Time spent with your family, even little moments of joy with your child can often put work pressures into perspective. However, for me, the anticipation of going home to meet the child is strong and gives me a sense of joyfulness as I get to interact and spend time with my children.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
6 words – your kids think you know everything.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
As working fathers, we play a vital role in shaping our children’s personalities. No matter how busy we are, we must carry this responsibility to educate and inspire our children to always be courteous and bright.
Adrian Chin – Ops Supply Manager (SG)
What inspired you to join Homage?
I’ve always been keen to help the elderly. Since I was young, I’ve been going to old folks homes to take care of the elderly there and listening to their stories and life experiences for my community involvement projects. I also enjoyed working in the e-commerce/tech industry, so when I came across Homage, which combines both geriatric care and tech, I immediately jumped on the opportunity.
How has your working life changed after becoming a father?
I would say working life is now 24/7, 365 days because I now need to ‘work at home’. There are definitely sacrifices like less me-time/men’s night out but these sacrifices are worth it because fatherhood has been amazing.
What’s the best thing about being a dad?
The best thing is seeing your kids smile and be happy, especially when you spend quality time together with them.
Words of encouragement/wisdom to fellow working dads?
Keep hustling, your kids will be your strength to keep you moving forward.
👨👧👦 Celebrating Male Caregivers This Father's Day
Vincent, Homage’s Care Pro, is a loving father of two young children. Today, we celebrate fathers like Vincent – a respectable individual who cares diligently for his dad while being a father and husband all at the same time.
Read more about his story here. ❤️
Happy Father’s Day
Thank you to all fathers for working tirelessly for your children and family, and for raising your children to be the best people they can be. It is not easy being a dad – and your resilience, dedication, and support certainly do not go unseen.
From all of us here at Homage, Happy Father’s Day!
If you’re passionate about helping others like our Homagers above, learn more about our careers here and apply to be a Care Pro with us today!
