First week back after paternity leave and I'm already regretting it

D

3w ago1 min read

So I took 8 weeks off for paternity leave and it was amazing. Now I'm back and my boss already scheduled me for 3 conferences in the next month. My wife is handling everything with the newborn but I feel like I'm missing everything. Did anyone else struggle with the guilt of going back? How do you guys balance it without burning out?

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Comments(3)

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PPedroRegular3w ago

Man, that first week back is brutal. I felt the exact same way when I returned. The thing that helped me was blocking off Wednesday afternoons as non-negotiable family time. It's not much but it keeps me from spiraling into work mode completely.

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EEricRegular3w ago

The boss scheduling stuff immediately is such a power move on their part. Did you set clear boundaries about your availability before going back or did that get glossed over in the return conversation?

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PPatrick M.New Dad3w ago

8 weeks is incredible though. Even feeling the sting now, you got to be present for some of the best early moments. That matters more than you'll realize in a few years.

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