Flexibility + Fatherhood
Nick Koop • May 1, 2023
Four weeks in to fatherhood and you know what? It's still pretty bloody hard.
The inconsistent sleep schedule, the massive bags under my eyes, the feeling of no light at the end of the tunnel, being vomited and pooped on, and the uncertainty of whether you are doing anything correctly.
However, I am also grateful for a lot of things and thought I'd share those instead of having a big whinge.
- My dog not wanting to eat my baby. Was a real worry but he's been amazing so far. (He's hungrily looking at the food below, not her).
- Grandparents who are hooked on her like she is heroin. I'll gladly enable their habit so we can enjoy a few hours out for dinner each week.
- Having Vivid Recruitment with Lee Stevens and the flexibility it has provided. I can't imagine supporting my partner and raising our daughter if I was forced into an office all day every day. If you don't work for a supportive and flexible company, call us and we will find you one that is.
- An incredibly kind, patient and strong partner. Don't have kids with someone you don't like - it won't make things better.
- I'm definitely going to jinx it now, but our little girl is actually sleeping relatively well.
- The fact that dads can now talk about the mental challenges we face. I love her but it feels like I'm doing some things out of duty at the moment, and that's okay.
They are the main ones for now but I would also be grateful if the engineering market could lift. Formula and nappies will send me broke if my clients don't have some pity and show me some more love ππ
Final product recommendations from this wise, old dad:
- Proper car seat instead of capsule (do all capsules have their chin on their chest and give massive anxiety?).
- So many dummies, ideally with a gps tracker in them, which would be nice.
- Polynesian spa play list on Spotify is a life saver.
- Nappies with the blue line for wee. My child screams bloody murder being changed, so it's a relief to check quickly
- Owlet sock gives great peace of mind but is a pain in the arse when it is beeping in the middle of the night after losing connection. Still an 8/10.
As always, if you have some more tips for this tired person, let me know. And if you are an engineer or an engineering consultancy, I promise I'm not too tired to help you out. Call me!
Contact Nick
ο»ΏIf you would like to have a conversation about your career or a job vacancy, give Nick a buzz or drop him a line via
π² 0426 180 254
π§ nick@vividrecruitment.com.au
You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
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About the Authors Nick Koop Director (Building Services Engineering) Nick specialises in building services recruitment across Australia, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and fire engineering. He works closely with consultancies delivering major healthcare, infrastructure, and commercial projects, and has a strong track record placing senior engineers into technically demanding roles. Known for being straight-up and reliable, Nick spends most of his time in the detail, not the sales pitch. Lee Stevens Director (Architecture & Design) Lee is one of the founders of Vivid Recruitment and focuses on architecture and design studios across Australia. With years of experience working closely with directors and senior hires, he’s built long-term relationships based on trust and consistency. Lee’s approach is simple: understand what a business actually needs, cut out the noise, and get the right people in place without the usual recruitment carry-on. Contact Nick and Lee Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering & Planning - π² 0426 180 254 π§ nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - π² 0406 470 020 π§ lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
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About the Author Lee Stevens, Director Lee has over 15 years of local and international recruitment experience across Architecture, Interiors, and Planning. Having worked with boutique studios through to large international consultancies, he’s built a reputation for honest advice, straightforward communication, and long-term relationships across the industry. Based in Melbourne, Lee is also a proud dad, sports fanatic, football coach, and someone who genuinely enjoys seeing good people build meaningful careers in architecture and design. Contact Lee Want to discuss your next role? Contact Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - π² 0406 470 020 π§ lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
About the Authors Nick Koop Director (Building Services Engineering) Nick specialises in building services recruitment across Australia, with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and fire engineering. He works closely with consultancies delivering major healthcare, infrastructure, and commercial projects, and has a strong track record placing senior engineers into technically demanding roles. Known for being straight-up and reliable, Nick spends most of his time in the detail, not the sales pitch. Lee Stevens Director (Architecture & Design) Lee is one of the founders of Vivid Recruitment and focuses on architecture and design studios across Australia. With years of experience working closely with directors and senior hires, he’s built long-term relationships based on trust and consistency. Lee’s approach is simple: understand what a business actually needs, cut out the noise, and get the right people in place without the usual recruitment carry-on. Contact Nick and Lee Nicholas Koop , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Engineering & Planning - π² 0426 180 254 π§ nick@vividrecruitment.com.au Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - π² 0406 470 020 π§ lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn and Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
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About the Author Lee Stevens, Director Lee has over 15 years’ experience across Architecture, Design, and Planning, working with boutique studios through to global consultancies. He’s built his network on straight-talking advice and long-term relationships, not sales tactics. Originally from the UK, Lee moved to Melbourne in 2014 and now balances recruitment with family life, coaching football, and keeping up with his kids and their very energetic cocker spaniel. Contact Lee Want to discuss your next role? Contact Lee Stevens , Principal Recruitment Consultant, Architecture & Design - π² 0406 470 020 π§ lee@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Lee on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips! If you’ve got an interview coming up and want a straight answer on how to approach it, reach out. No fluff. Just honest advice.
About the Author Nick Koop, Director With over 11 years in recruitment, Nick has worked closely with engineering professionals across Australia, from small consultancies to global firms. He’s built his approach on honesty, consistency, and actually listening to what people want, not just what’s on paper. Melbourne born and bred, Nick’s usually either following sport, chasing his kids around, or finding a decent spot for a quiet pint. He’s a long-suffering North Melbourne supporter, which probably says enough about his resilience. Contact Nick Want to discuss your next engineering hire? Give Nick a buzz or drop him a line via: π² 0426 180 254 π§ nick@vividrecruitment.com.au You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips! Want Better Interview Advice That’s Actually Useful? If you’re preparing for a move in engineering, planning, or construction and want straight answers, reach out. No scripts. No fluff. Just a proper conversation.
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