The Fam

Starting Tuesday, I go back to work. The first week I’m back I only work half days. When I arranged this plan with my boss of one full week off and one week of half time, it seemed like a good compromise. Now, I’m not so sure.

I don’t want to go back. I’ve gotten very used to being able to see and hold the little man whenever I feel like it. Sure, the first couple of days home all I could think about was getting back to work, but now that the initial culture shock has worn off, I think I like being around the little guy.

Everybody told me that I was very lucky to get almost two weeks off for the birth of my son. I want more. The Mom gets six weeks of maternity leave. Where’s my paternity leave?

According to this article, 45 other countries in the world ensure that fathers get some kind of paternity leave. Where’s mine? Sure, under the Family Medical Leave Act, I’m eligible for 12 weeks of leave when my child is born. The catch? The 12 weeks are unpaid, and only companies with 50 or more employees are required to comply. I don’t think my company is large enough, and we couldn’t afford to lose that much income anyway.

Are we still so career-driven as a society that men are afraid for their jobs if they take time off? Yes, my job is important, but it’s not something that can’t be delegated and lightly managed from home. I’m not worried about someone stepping in and stealing my limelight because I’ve already established myself.

I don’t know what the answer is. I just know I want more time with my kid.