Does paternity leave actually exist or is it just a thing HR talks about? | DadHQ

Forums Working Dad LifeDoes paternity leave actually exist or is it just a thing HR talks about?

Does paternity leave actually exist or is it just a thing HR talks about?

Jan 5·1 min read

Used up my official "paternity leave" (2 weeks, corporate job, major city). Half that time I was still answering emails because "things came up." Could my boss legally require that? Probably not. Did he ask real nice and make me feel like I should? Yeah.

Looking at new jobs partly for this reason. Somewhere that doesn't say they value fathers being present but actually means it.

6 comments361 views

Comments(6)

OOwen F.RegularJan 5

The fact that you were working half your paternity leave says everything about how this country treats new dads. That's rough man.

DDrew H.RegularJan 6

Two weeks paid is pretty standard in most places. Some companies will let you take unpaid after that but good luck getting your job back if you do.

MMarcoNew DadJan 6

This is why I'm jealous of some European countries. They have actual paternity leave policies. Meanwhile I was back at my desk with a newborn at home.

CCarlosNew DadJan 5

Did you try asking if you could take it in chunks instead of all at once? Some places are flexible with that.

TTerrence J.RegularJan 6

My company gave me three weeks which felt like a lot until I realized I spent the whole thing handling logistics and sleep deprivation. I wasn't actually 'on leave' at all.

AAnthonyNew DadJan 8

It exists in theory but yeah most guys don't take it or can't because of work pressure. The culture around it needs to change badly.