I'm back in the office 4 days a week after working remote for 2 years. My 8yo keeps asking why I'm gone during the day and my wife is stressed trying to handle pickup and homework on her own. I make decent money but I'm not sure it's worth it anymore. Other parents at work seem fine with it but I'm a wreck. Am I just being weak about this or do other guys feel the same way?
You're not alone in this. Four days a week is a lot to explain to an 8yo who doesn't really understand why daddy isn't home. Maybe having a ritual when you get home helps - even just 15 minutes of dedicated time with no phone makes a difference in how they feel.
This is real and I'm glad you're being honest about it. The guilt is on you, not your kid though. They need to see you working and providing but also present when you're there. Don't let the guilt eat you up because kids pick up on that energy. Just show up for them when you can.
That guilt is brutal. I went back to office 3 days a week and my 6yo asked me the same thing every single morning. Now I try to make those home days count instead of scrolling through my phone.
The transition back to office after remote is harder on the kids than we think it'll be. My advice is set a specific routine so they know when you're coming home and stick to it. Predictability helps.
Man, this hits hard. That guilt is no joke. The transition back was rough for me too. What helped was being intentional about the time I do have - morning coffee with the kids before work, unplugged dinner time, nothing fancy just present. Quality over quantity is a real thing.
Four days is tough. Have you tried involving him in something work-related to help him understand? My son likes hearing about my day and honestly he doesn't care as much as I think he does. Kids are resilient as long as they know you care.
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Quality over quantity is the cliche answer but it's true. I make sure after-work time is actually their time, not me decompressing from work stress. Makes a real difference.