Just finished paternity leave and I'm already dreading Monday

1w ago1 min read

So I've got 2 weeks left of paternity leave with my newborn and honestly I'm not ready. My wife keeps joking that I'm going to cry when I go back to the office. The thing is, she's probably right. I've been home for 6 weeks now and watching my daughter grow has been incredible. Going back to staring at spreadsheets and sitting in pointless meetings feels soul crushing right now. Anyone else struggle with this transition? How do you balance the guilt with the need to provide?

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Comments(7)

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

That two week countdown is real. I remember staring at the calendar knowing my paternity leave was almost over and just feeling this knot in my stomach. It gets easier but that first week back is rough.

JJosh M.Regular1w ago

The hardest part is missing stuff you know you're going to miss. But you'll figure out your rhythm. My first week back was weird but by week two I had a new normal and could still be present for the important stuff.

MMatt B.Regular1w ago

Real talk, those two weeks flying by is the worst part. You're finally getting into a rhythm with the baby and then boom, it's over. Just take tons of pictures and soak it in.

DDerek M.New Dad1w ago

Two weeks left to be present with the little one. Skip the dread spiral and just soak it in. The work stuff will be there when you get back. I know that's easier said than done but seriously, those early weeks go so fast.

AAdam R.New Dad1w ago

Oh man, those last two weeks are brutal because you're already living in your head about it. I remember counting down to the day I had to go back and it was the worst part of the whole leave. The first week back actually wasn't as bad as I thought though. You adjust faster than you expect.

MMatt B.Regular1w ago

Have you and your wife talked about what comes next? Like actual schedule stuff? I found that going back was way less scary once I knew I wasn't just bailing on everything and that we had a real plan for childcare and who handles what.

RRick M.Regular1w ago

Is your company flexible on the transition back? Some places let you ease back in and it makes a huge difference. Full time immediately after leave is a shock to the system.