I’m about 10 days from heading back to the library after taking a three week break in order to get settled with Eliza. We’re 11 days into Eliza’s life, and I can’t imagine going away for 10 hours a day from her. Everyone told me this would happen, and of course I knew it would, but the reality of the situation is beginning to surface.
We’ll see how the next 10 days go, but I’m betting that the first bit back into libraryland is going to be disorienting. Those of you with kids, how do you manage?
7 replies on “Back to work”
I didn’t manage: I stayed at home with my two kids until the younger one was in second grade.
Took a huge career hit (which is why I’m still working at age 60) but don’t regret a minute of it.
My daughter hopes to do the same, when grandkids start coming.
No easy answers, but I will say that it makes coming home from work that much sweeter.
I’m 6 days away from coming back after 3+ months off, and you’re asking me? 😉
Other than the distinct impression that the European and Scandinavian countries are onto something, I’ve no idea. But if you figure it out, wouldja let me know?
Coffee!! It does wonders in both helping you recover from 3 am feedings and offering a bit of warm comfort — even if it is a poor substitute for a good cuddle 🙂
Congrats on the newest addition.
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After we brought our son home, I took a month off from work and then worked from home (nights and weekends while I took care of him during the day) for another month and a half until my wife was off for the summer.
Getting back into caring about library technology, library politics and the projects that intersect the two was then pretty difficult since it suddenly seemed totally insignificant.
I think taking some time off to bond with him helped me form my convictions about the boundaries between professional and personal life and how the latter is, from now on, going to take precedence over how I approach the former (which is the reverse of how it was before he came home).
Congratulations and get some sleep.
Well, actually you don’t manage. You just kind of get through it, is all Disorienting is a very good word for it. The first month is probably the most difficult, but after that you find you have developed a new family routine and everyone figures it out. I agree with Ross’ comment – everything else suddenly seems utterly insignificant compared with a child. Rest up and we’ll see you when we can. – Va.