Back from paternity leave and everything fell apart at work

1w ago·1 min read

Took 8 weeks off when my third kid was born. Best decision ever for my family but man, coming back has been rough. My team reorganized, two people quit, and somehow I'm expected to catch up on months of work while also being present for a newborn and two other kids. My boss acts like my leave was a vacation and doesn't seem to understand I can't pull 60 hour weeks right now. Anyone else deal with this? How did you reset expectations when you came back?

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Comments(6)

MMarcus J.Regular1w ago

Man, that's tough timing. I came back from paternity leave with my third and felt like the whole place had shifted too. Give yourself a few weeks to get your bearings before you worry too much about the chaos.

AAdam K.New Dad1w ago

Eight weeks with a newborn is worth it though. The work stuff will settle down once you get back in the rhythm. Hang in there.

SScottRegular1w ago

Man I felt this. Came back to three months of catch up and it was brutal for like two weeks. But then you realize nothing actually fell apart, it just shifted around. You got this.

JJosephNew Dad1w ago

This right here is why remote work is becoming so important. You could have taken that time and checked in without the total shock of coming back to chaos.

AAdam R.Regular1w ago

That's rough but honestly the fact that you took the full eight weeks and your job is still there says something good about your workplace. Give yourself grace, you didn't miss anything important at work.

KKyle M.Regular1w ago

Eight weeks is worth it though. Your kids needed you there at the beginning. The work stuff will sort itself out, it always does. Just take it one day at a time getting back in the groove.