Went back to work yesterday and it was harder than expected

1w ago·1 min read

Had my first day back at the office yesterday after 4 weeks home with the baby. I thought I'd be fine, even excited to get back to normalcy. Nope. Spent the morning thinking about my 6-week-old daughter and whether the nanny was doing everything right. Couldn't focus on anything. Kept looking at pictures on my phone. Is this something that gets easier or am I just going to be a mess every day now? Also wondering if I should've taken longer but we need the income so that wasn't really an option.

4 comments225 views

Comments(4)

FFrank K.Regular1w ago

Do not feel bad about this. You bonded with your daughter for a month straight and now you're separated for 8+ hours a day. That's hard. It doesn't mean you're not cut out for work or you made a wrong choice going back. It just means you love your kid

WWalter T.Regular6d ago

How many weeks until you get back to a routine? The first few days are honestly the worst. By week 2 you'll find a rhythm where you can hold both things in your brain - work AND being a dad. Right now your brain is just screaming about the baby

KKent R.Regular6d ago

The post got cut off but I feel this. First day back after paternity leave hit different than expected for me too. You think you're ready and then you just miss them constantly. It gets easier after like week 2-3 though

CCole B.Regular6d ago

Photos of her on your desk/phone help. Not in a creepy way but like, being able to look at her whenever helps bridge the gap. Also staying busy at work helps - sitting around thinking about your kid makes it worse