I left a job as an editor and took a job as a fireman (twenty days off per month) to be with my boys more. I lost thirty thousand per year, but it was a great decision. I am not being self-congratulatory; I could not have done it without my wife (she is the one with the really good job). I just wanted to be the dad I wish I could have had. I think my generation (X that is) is trying to parent better, but we need to remember to be parents and not just a buddy. If dads can get paternity leave like moms get maternity leave I would support it wholeheartedly (as long as no one expects me to pay for their decision to be HOME with their newborn).
I’m glad it worked out for you, but you should not have had to make the financial sacrafice. This should give others in your situation the ability to not choose between their children and their livlihoods.
My husband was laid off when our baby #6 was about 6 months old, and was unemployed for a year. The kids loved it, and I only had panic attacks about once a month ...