Just came back from paternity leave and feeling like a ghost at work

1w ago1 min read

Took 6 weeks off after my third kid was born and just returned Monday. Everything has changed, projects got reassigned, there's a new process for everything, and I feel completely out of the loop. My manager was understanding about me taking the time but now I'm worried it's going to hurt me come review season. Did I make a mistake going the full 6 weeks? My wife needed the help but now I'm wondering if I should have come back sooner to stay relevant. Probably overthinking this but the imposter syndrome is real right now.

4 comments106 views

Comments(4)

DDanielRegular1w ago

Six weeks goes by so fast but also changes everything at work. I was in your shoes when I came back and the first month was brutal trying to catch up on everything. Give yourself grace though, you were where you needed to be.

SSteve M.New Dad1w ago

Congratulations on the new baby but man that transition back has to be rough. Everyone at work moved on with projects and suddenly you're behind on everything. How long before things start to feel normal again?

PPedroRegular1w ago

Felt exactly like a ghost when I came back. Like the company kept spinning without me and I had to figure out what I was supposed to be doing again. It gets better but those first few weeks are rough.

DDerekRegular1w ago

This is the worst part of paternity leave honestly. You get that time with your family which is amazing and then you have to jump back into a job that didn't wait for you. The guilt about both things at once is real.