Paternity leave was amazing but going back to work is brutal

Mar 6·1 min read

I took 3 months of paternity leave when my daughter was born and it was incredible bonding time. Now that I'm back at the office full time I feel like I'm missing everything. She's already smiling more, staying awake longer, and I was gone for most of it this week due to a work conference. My boss is expecting me to be fully back in the game but my head is still at home. How did you guys adjust?

4 comments155 views

Comments(4)

TTrevor M.New DadMar 8

Man, I feel this in my soul. Those three months with my kids were the best and worst thing because now the contrast of being back at work is brutal. The first week back I was counting down minutes to 5pm.

MMike R.RegularMar 8

I work nights so I get that weird schedule thing where you're trying to be present but also exhausted. What helped me was setting one solid ritual with my daughter when I got home, even if it was just 20 minutes. Made the transition easier mentally.

SSteve K.RegularMar 7

The adjustment period is real. I came back from paternity leave and felt like I was missing everything. Talk to your boss about flexible hours if you can. Even starting an hour late twice a week helped me deal with the morning routine stress.

KKevin M.RegularMar 8

That bonding time is golden but yeah, going back is like ripping off a band aid. How long have you been back? The first month is the hardest but it does get easier once you find your new rhythm with work and home.