Tomorrow I return to work. I barely remember what I do. I'm very grateful to Bank of America for letting me have this time. I don't understand why they're so nice; the benefit is so far and away beyond what they needed to do to be competitive. Bank of America is not perfect, but they really seem to be trying to do the best for their employees. I like my co-workers, enjoy the environment, and work on something genuinely useful, but I'm dreading going back.

The last 2 months have been the best 2 months I can remember. A long time ago I said (not here) that I wouldn't mind being the one who stayed home. I didn't know what I was talking about then. I spent the last 2 months learning, and I've reached the same conclusion. My paternity leave hasn't been for Kieran. It hasn't really been for Jessica, either. I've been on leave for Uma.

She is such a sweet girl. She's the one I'm worried about. She's going to feel abandoned. I tried to prepare her for my return to work. She started crying. "I'll be sad when you're not here." I don't get it. I'm not very nice to her. Must be biology, I guess. I can't make her understand. In at least this way, it would have been easier of my employer hadn't been so generous. Then we wouldn't have found a regular, stable, Daddy and Uma routine. Now, though, she's going to have to deal with a lot less attention and time. I can make things easier for myself by reminding myself how much better and easier it is for me than for most people, with generous leave and vacation, as well as flexible working hours, one day working from home per week, and good pay. Uma doesn't have that perspective. All she knows is that I'm not going to be around as much anymore. And that will make her sad.

¶ 1742 Posted at 09.55 AM ⇒ No Comments ( us | (un)employment )