🖥️ The Back-to-Work Transition

Back to Work Blues:

The Bittersweet Symphony of Returning to the Grind

Hey Villagers,

As many of you know, the last few weeks/ months have been filled with sleepless nights, sweet baby cuddles, and an endless cycle of diaper changes. That special post-birth bubble, as surreal as it can be, offers parents an invaluable opportunity to bond deeply with their newborns, and subsequently their toddlers. But as with all good things, it eventually comes to an end. This week, I made the difficult transition of heading back to work, and I'd like to share the raw, unfiltered emotions that accompanied this shift.

The War Inside: 

Heading back to work felt like an emotional tug of war. On one hand, I craved the routine, the mental stimulation, and even those random coffee breaks with colleagues. You know, adult conversation. But on the other, there was a palpable ache, a longing to be with my children, to witness all their 'firsts', their funnies and to be their primary source of comfort.

I'd be lying if I said there wasn't a touch of relief when I first walked through those work doors. Relief from the never-ending cycle of baby needs, from being "always on." This small feeling of reprieve made me question: Does this make me a bad parent? Obvioulsly no. Working is necessary, ( kids eat a lot! ) But that little voice making you question yourself, I've come to realize, is entirely natural. We all need breaks. We all have to work, and that doesn't diminish the love we have for our children.

It's interesting how our heart works. The very same heart that yearned for a short break during those constant baby-feeding sessions now dreads the 9-to-5 routine. On one side, the allure of engaging in adult conversations, reclaiming a part of my pre-parent identity, and having uninterrupted bathroom breaks was undeniably tempting. But then, the magnetic pull towards that sweet baby scent, the tiny coos, and the idea of missing a moment with my child became overwhelmingly strong. It's a balance, and some days are easier than others.

The Absolute Necessity: 

Going back to work isn't just about wanting to; for many, it's about needing to. There are bills to pay, futures to secure. Plus, there's the often-underestimated importance of professional fulfillment. For many of us, our careers give us purpose, a sense of identity. Balancing this with parenthood is an art, one that I'm still learning.

I won't deny it – there's a significant case of FOMO. The thought that I might miss out on those little yet monumental moments is real and raw. I've been combating this by setting up a little photo-sharing routine with my partner. Every little capture of our baby's day feels like a bridge connecting my two worlds.

Stepping back into the office, there was this unexpected wave of relief. Was it the uninterrupted coffee? Or perhaps just the chance to finish a task without a baby on the hip? This tiny breath of 'normalcy' left me riddled with guilt. Does cherishing this relief make me a less devoted parent? However, after pouring out these feelings to fellow parents, the answer became clear: we're only human. Moments of relief don't make us love our children any less. They simply remind us of the importance of self-care and personal space.

The Support System: 

Heading back to work reinforced one vital fact – the importance of a robust support system. Whether it's a partner, family, or a trusted caregiver, knowing that your child is in safe and loving hands makes the transition more bearable.

I’ve also been maximizing my one on one time with Olive in the mornings which has been nice. I find myself less frustrated with tantrums and toddler things. Instead i’m filled to gratitude to even be there.

Diving into Resources: 

Heading back to work after some intense bonding time isn't easy. That's why it's crucial to stay informed and connected. I've started diving into "The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life" by Benjamin Watson. It's an enlightening read, sharing experiences from a dad's perspective and offering actionable advice. Another useful guide has been "Dad's Guide to Pregnancy For Dummies" by Mathew Miller, which is chock-full of practical information and insights. And for those quiet moments when reading is a challenge, podcasts like Dad Tired and Loving It, The Modern Dads Podcast, and the light-hearted Dads Don't Know have been my go-to listens. These resources offer a mix of humor, genuine stories, and guidance that's been invaluable in this journey.

Villagers, transitions are never easy, especially when it involves leaving a piece of your heart at home. But remember, every decision we make is in the hope of a brighter future for our little ones. To all the parents making this transition, I see you, I feel you, and I'm with you.

Until next week, keep thriving in this beautiful chaos.

Warmly,

CPO Andrew

P.S.: How was your experience heading back to work post-baby? Share your stories, and they might find a spot in our next edition. 💌

Dad Joke

Q: What did the Ocean say to the Beach?

A: Nothing it just waved.