Should I take the full 12 weeks or go back early?

Dec 11·1 min read

Got offered to take the full paternity leave (12 weeks, California) but my company culture is pretty intense and taking that long feels like career suicide. People act like anything over 2 weeks is excessive. My wife has already given up her career temporarily and someone needs to pay for things. But also... I don't want to miss this time with my 2-week-old. How did you all decide? Anyone regret their choice?

6 comments185 views

Comments(6)

CChad R.RegularDec 12

California law protects your job specifically because of this anxiety people have. You're legally protected and honestly any company that punishes someone for taking legal leave isn't worth staying at

DDan W.RegularDec 13

Check if anyone else at your company has taken the full 12. I bet someone has and nothing bad happened to them

WWade T.New DadDec 12

The 'intense company culture' thing will still be intense when you get back. Your newborn will never be this small again

WWill T.RegularDec 12

Take the 12 weeks. Seriously. Your kid will only be newborn once and your company will survive without you for 3 months. The 'career suicide' thing is mostly in people's heads

NNoah B.New DadDec 13

I took 8 weeks with my second and came back ready to work. First 2 weeks I was just sleep deprived and confused. By week 8 I actually felt like a human again and was more productive

OOscar D.New DadDec 12

Real talk - the guilt you feel about taking leave is normal but it's literally a trap your brain sets. The company doesn't own your right to be a parent