Just went back to office after 8 weeks paternity leave and it feels weird | DadHQ

Just went back to office after 8 weeks paternity leave and it feels weird

1w ago1 min read

Got back to the office this week after 8 weeks home with my newborn and honestly it's throwing me off. My kid doesn't even recognize me when I leave in the morning now. Sat in my first meeting and realized I didn't care about any of it. Just kept checking my phone to see how the baby was doing. My boss noticed and made some comment about getting back into it. How do you guys manage this mentally? Do I just need time to readjust?

6 comments149 views

Comments(6)

PPatrick M.New Dad1w ago

Eight weeks is enough time that your priorities shift and then suddenly you're back in the old rhythm but you're not the same person anymore. That's the hard part. How are you managing it so far?

PPhil M.New Dad1w ago

Going back after paternity leave was harder than I expected. You feel pulled in two directions. Just remember you're modeling being a working dad for your kid, and that matters too. Make the time you do have count.

NNate B.Regular1w ago

This part sucks but it gets easier. The first week back is the weirdest. After that you settle into a new normal where you're actually present at work again and it stops feeling guilty.

JJamesRegular1w ago

That re-entry is weird man. I went back after 8 weeks too and I felt like I was in two worlds for a solid month. The office felt different somehow even though nothing actually changed. Give yourself grace while you adjust.

LLance K.Regular1w ago

The hardest part for me was leaving him in the morning. First week back I was a wreck. But it does get easier and honestly the balance of working and being home is what makes me a better dad.

BBenNew Dad1w ago

That weird feeling makes total sense. You just spent 8 weeks being the primary person your son depended on and now you're back in meetings and emails. It's a big shift. Give yourself a couple weeks to readjust. The guilt is normal but it goes away once you find your rhythm again.