Going back to work in 2 weeks - having an identity crisis

1w ago·1 min read

My paternity leave ends soon and I'm really struggling with it. Don't get me wrong, I'm ready to have adult conversations and use my brain again, but the idea of leaving my 3 month old every day is hitting different than I expected. I thought I'd be relieved to get back to normal but I'm genuinely sad about missing so much of her growth. My coworkers keep saying stuff like 'you'll be glad to escape' but that's not how I feel at all. Anyone else experienced this? How did you make the transition?

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Comments(3)

MMiles B.Regular1w ago

Two weeks is tough to process, but honestly it gets easier once you settle into a routine. I still build stuff with my kids on weekends and that scratches the itch of being a dad while I'm working.

DDerek P.Regular1w ago

I hear you on needing your brain back, but the identity crisis part is real talk. My daughter asks about my day at work now and it's actually helped me feel like I'm not just one thing or the other.

GGreg H.New Dad1w ago

That identity thing hits hard, man. I'm going back in a few weeks too and I'm already feeling it. Just remember the adult conversations at work will be nice but you'll miss the baby stuff more than you think.