Paternity Leave - Worth It or Career Suicide? | DadHQ

Paternity Leave - Worth It or Career Suicide?

2w ago1 min read

Taking three months starting next month when the baby comes. My company offers it and I'm determined to use it. I know some guys think it's gonna tank my career but I've already talked to my manager and she's supportive. I'll work a few hours a day from home if needed but I'm not gonna miss the early days with my newborn. Figure I can get back to 100% after twelve weeks. Anyone here done an extended paternity leave? How did your career look when you came back?

7 comments224 views

Comments(7)

CChuck M.Regular2w ago

Three months is solid, man. The guys who say it'll tank your career are probably the ones stressed out and missing everything anyway. You'll come back more focused and your family will thank you for being present early on.

DDanny K.New Dad2w ago

Three months? That's awesome man. Congrats on the baby coming. I took two months when my first was born and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Your kid will benefit from having you there those first months.

BBlake T.New Dad2w ago

It's not career suicide if you're good at your job. Best decision I made was taking the full time they offered. My kids are 7 and 9 now and I'm still dad first in everything I do.

BBrandonNew Dad2w ago

Dude, take it. I took two months with my second kid and honestly it was the best decision I made career-wise. You bond with the baby, learn the rhythms, and come back refreshed. Your company offered it for a reason - use it without guilt.

BBrian L.Regular2w ago

Take every bit of it. Those first few months go fast and you don't get them back. Plus honestly, when you come back you'll have your head on straight because you actually got to sleep and bond with your kid instead of being exhausted the whole time.

MMarcus T.New Dad2w ago

Dude take it. I didn't get paternity leave and I regret it. You can always make more money but you can't get those early months back. Your company will be fine.

EEricRegular2w ago

As a brand new dad myself I'm already thinking about what kind of leave I want if we have more kids. Seems like the guys who took it don't regret it. The guys who didn't? Different story.