Just went back from paternity leave and forgot how exhausting the office is | DadHQ

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Just went back from paternity leave and forgot how exhausting the office is

3d ago·1 min read

Had 6 weeks off and it was incredible being home with the newborn and my older kids. Got back to work yesterday and man, I forgot how draining it is to be 'on' all day with coworkers and meetings. Plus I'm still not sleeping much because of the baby. My boss asked if I was okay because I was quiet in our standup. Just trying to survive this first week back. Anyone else struggle with the transition?

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Comments(5)

TTom R.Regular3d ago

Oh man, that transition back is brutal. Six weeks of slower pace and you forget what the grind feels like. Give yourself a couple weeks to adjust - you'll get back into it but don't beat yourself up for feeling drained.

VVincent L.New Dad3d ago

That readjustment is real. I came back from leave and it took me a good month to stop feeling exhausted by 3pm. Be patient with yourself, grab coffee when you need it, and remember that being home with them was awesome but so is providing for them.

MMarcusNew Dad2d ago

Six weeks spoils you real quick. Going from full dad mode back to the office grind is brutal. The first few weeks back I was useless at work because my brain was still at home.

BBrandonNew Dad2d ago

Does your job have any flexibility to ease back in? Even half days for the first week or two would help the transition be less of a shock.

DDerek T.New Dad2d ago

Man, welcome to my life every single night. Up late catching up on stuff I missed while being at work all day. The guilt hits different when you go back.

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