Back to the office after paternity leave is hitting different | DadHQ

Back to the office after paternity leave is hitting different

6d ago1 min read

Been back at work for two weeks after taking 6 weeks off and it's way harder than I expected. I miss my daughter like crazy and I keep checking the baby cam at my desk which my boss probably notices. My wife says I'm being weird about it and to just adjust but it feels like I'm missing everything now. Anyone else struggle with the transition back? Does it get easier or do I just need to accept this is how it'll be?

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Comments(5)

RRick M.Regular4d ago

That first few weeks back is brutal man. I took 6 weeks too and week 2 was honestly harder than week 1 because the novelty wore off. The guilt hitting you different when you're sitting in meetings instead of doing morning routines. Does it get easier or does it just become the new normal?

EEric M.Regular5d ago

Two weeks in and you're already feeling it. I'm gonna be honest, I never took that much time off so I don't have the same experience, but the dads at my son's school who took paternity leave all say the transition back is the hardest part. You'll get your rhythm again but those first few weeks of missing all the little moments is rough.

PParkerNew Dad4d ago

The juggling act is real. I've been back at work for 3 months now and some days I still catch myself thinking about what my daughter is doing at daycare during meetings. My wife says it gets better but yeah, those first couple weeks hit different. Hang in there.

SScottRegular6d ago

Six weeks is a long time to be that connected. My advice is to make those evenings and weekends count with your daughter instead of beating yourself up during work hours. That's what keeps me sane with two kids.

DDerekNew Dad6d ago

Those first weeks back are rough man. I was the same way after my paternity leave, checking my phone constantly. It does get easier, but honestly the missing them part never fully goes away and that's okay.