Just took paternity leave and feeling weird about it

5d ago1 min read

Took the full 12 weeks and my company actually respected it, which surprised me. But man, being out of the office loop is stressing me out. Got back yesterday and 3 people have my old responsibilities now. Part of me regrets not going back sooner, but I also don't want to miss my kid's first smile. My coworkers are already making jokes about me being the 'new mom' on the team. Is this normal or should I be worried about my career trajectory?

8 comments164 views

Comments(8)

TTravis N.Regular4d ago

The weird part for me was realizing how much I didn't know about my kids' daily schedules. Went back to work and suddenly my partner was managing everything again and I felt disconnected. But those 12 weeks gave me a foundation I wouldn't trade.

RRobertNew Dad4d ago

That weird feeling is totally normal. You've been grinding for months and suddenly you're just here with your kid. It takes a minute to stop feeling guilty about not being in the office. But that 12 weeks is gold. Soak it up.

SSawyer N.Regular5d ago

Don't rush getting back in the loop. I took night shift work when my son was born so I could be around during the day, and those early months go so fast. The emails can wait, trust me.

JJason K.Regular5d ago

That feeling is real, even though you know intellectually that being there for your kid is the right call. I came back from paternity leave and felt behind too, but honestly the office moves on fine without us. You're doing the important work right now.

MMarcusNew Dad5d ago

Dude, enjoy that feeling. I'd kill for 12 weeks. I got two weeks and felt like I was just getting into a rhythm when I had to go back. The weird feeling goes away, I promise. You're doing something really special.

BBen M.New Dad5d ago

That awkward feeling is actually probably you realizing you don't HAVE to be at work right now, which your brain isn't used to. Give it a couple more weeks and you'll settle into it. Those weeks will be memories you never get back.

MMarcusNew Dad4d ago

Respect to your company for actually letting you take it. A lot of places give paternity leave on paper but make you feel guilty about using it. The weird feeling goes away around week four when you stop thinking about work emails.

SSteve H.Regular4d ago

I took ten weeks and felt the same way. Like I was supposed to be doing something productive other than existing with my baby. But man, those weeks are gone now and I wouldn't trade them back for anything. The guilt fades fast.