Just got back from 8 weeks off with my second kid and honestly it was the best decision I've made professionally and personally. Yeah, I fell behind on some projects but my team covered it. Bonding with my newborn and being there for the first smiles made career stuff seem pretty unimportant. If your company offers it, seriously consider taking it. The money and promotions will still be there.
Good on you for taking it. The second kid is different, isn't it? You know what to expect but you're also busier with the first one. Did your employer make it easy or was there pushback?
That's the move right there. With three kids I wish I'd done more time off when each was born. Glad you're not second-guessing it.
Props for taking it. I came back after a few weeks and always wondered what I missed. Eight weeks sounds like you actually got to be present instead of just existing.
Falling behind at work beats falling behind with your kid's first months. Worth it every time.
Eight weeks is huge. I took six with my first and couldn't imagine cutting it short. Those early weeks with a newborn are special and you can't get them back. What was the best part for you?
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This is real talk. A lot of guys don't pull the trigger on paternity leave because of work pressure but it sounds like you nailed it. How was the transition back to work?