Got 8 weeks lined up and I'm excited but also worried. My team is small and I know they'll be understaffed. Been here 6 years and don't want them thinking I'm not committed anymore. Logically I know I'm entitled to this and it's not that long but the anxiety is real. Anyone else dealt with this?
Eight weeks is a gift, man. Don't feel guilty about your team for a second. They'll figure it out and honestly it'll be good for them to step up. Your newborn only gets this phase once.
Those 8 weeks go by so fast. Don't spend them worrying about emails. You can't get this time back with your kid.
The small team thing is tough but real talk - if they can't handle 8 weeks without you, that's a company problem not a you problem. Take the leave. Be present for your kid.
Don't stress about falling behind. You're going to be so present with your kid during those eight weeks that you won't even care about work for a bit. That perspective shift is real.
I get the loyalty thing, I really do. But taking your leave isn't letting anyone down. Company had time to plan for this, and honestly they'll adjust faster than you think. Enjoy those 8 weeks.
Eight weeks is huge, congrats man. I was worried about the same thing before my leave, but honestly your team will figure it out and you'll never get this time back with your newborn. You've earned it after 6 years.
You've built a solid team if you've been there 6 years. Trust them to step up while you're gone, that's what good teams do. This time with your kids is irreplaceable, so soak it in without guilt.
Eight weeks is solid. My advice? Document everything you do those first couple weeks and leave really detailed notes for whoever covers you. Made my transition back way smoother knowing my team had a roadmap.
I did 12 weeks and came back refreshed. The team survived without me just fine. Enjoy every minute with your baby because this time flies.
Small team guilt is real but remember they'll figure it out. They always do. Your job right now is being there for your family. The work stuff will still be there when you get back.
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I felt the exact same way before I took mine. Here's what I learned: your team respects you more for having boundaries, not less. And you'll fall behind at nothing that matters.