Paternity leave was the best two months of my life and now I'm depressed being back | DadHQ

Forums Working Dad LifePaternity leave was the best two months of my life and now I'm depressed being back

Paternity leave was the best two months of my life and now I'm depressed being back

Jul 29·1 min read

Just went back to work after 8 weeks of paternity leave and man, the readjustment is brutal. I got so used to being there for every moment with my newborn. Changing diapers at 3am became my thing. Now I'm sitting in meetings thinking about what he's doing at daycare. My wife says I'll adjust but I'm honestly devastated. The money is good but I'd trade it in a heartbeat to be home. Anyone else feel like they got robbed going back?

6 comments188 views

Comments(6)

SSteveRegularJul 31

Two months is just enough time to remember what you've been missing. That's the cruel part right there.

MMike F.RegularJul 29

Man, that two month taste of being present full-time hits hard when you go back to the grind. Friday movie nights have been my anchor since I went back to work, gives me something to look forward to with the kids.

RRyan M.New DadJul 29

Eight weeks and you're bonded hard to that routine. The depression part is real, not just sadness. Give yourself some time to adjust and maybe find those pockets during the week to still be there for the moments that matter.

SSean M.RegularJul 29

The struggle is real. Those 8 weeks go by so fast and then BAM you're back in meetings and emails. Have you thought about trying to negotiate anything with your employer? Some places are getting better about flexible schedules.

DDavid R.RegularJul 29

I felt this in my soul. The first week back after my leave was the darkest. What helped me was setting up a solid bedtime routine so I could at least have that time with the kids every night.

BBrian M.RegularJul 30

Does your company do any kind of flexible work arrangement? Even one day working from home made a huge difference for me.