Took paternity leave and now feeling guilty about being away from work | DadHQ

Took paternity leave and now feeling guilty about being away from work

2w ago1 min read

I took 8 weeks of paternity leave and was really trying to be present with my newborn and help my wife. But now I'm getting messages from my team about projects piling up and my boss keeps asking when I'll be back. I still have 2 weeks left and I feel like I should just go back early but that would mean missing time with my son that I cant get back. Why does work make me feel guilty for actually taking the time they said I could take?

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Comments(7)

VVincentRegular2w ago

I took 6 weeks and felt the same way. Here's the thing though, your work will manage without you. Your newborn won't get those days back. You made the right call.

LLance K.Regular2w ago

Guilt is normal but you're overthinking it. Paternity leave exists for a reason. Your company knew you were taking it and planned accordingly. Focus on being present now instead of worrying about what you missed at the office.

LLucasRegular2w ago

Don't feel guilty. That 8 weeks is going to matter more than you realize right now. Your work will still be there. This time with your newborn won't come back.

TTobias K.Regular2w ago

Your wife probably needs you more than work does right now. Eight weeks is nothing in the grand scheme of a career. Be present, trust that things will be fine when you get back.

DDusty M.New Dad2w ago

That first stretch with a newborn is so important for bonding. You made the right choice taking that time. Work will still be there when you get back.

AAlexRegular2w ago

I'm in a similar boat and feel this pressure constantly but honestly the guilt is worse than anything my boss has actually said. Your company has to manage without you and that's not your problem to solve.

SSam T.Regular2w ago

Don't feel guilty. Eight weeks is great but you'll have plenty of time with your kid over the next 18 years. Your work probably missed you but you did the right thing being there for the newborn and your wife during those first weeks.