Last Friday, I sat my close colleagues down and let them know about the surrogacy and baby journey I was embarking on. I’m generally a very private person at work and separate professional and personal but I thought I owed it to them to let them know that they definitely would not have me for 3 months and then at a limited capacity for another couple of months. Of course they were shocked but very happy for me. Part of me thinks that they were relieved to know that I wasn’t leaving the company (since we are already understaffed). They promised to keep it hush hush until I was ready to tell everyone at work, which I was happy to hear. Since I’ve told them, they have been really cool about giving me advice in terms of the babies and my life now (aka do whatever you have ever wanted to do NOW). Got it!
I finally chatted with HR and I will be taking the 12 weeks FMLA and will be compensated for 6 of those weeks. That is much better than I imagined, since I budgeted for no compensation in those three months. I love being from and living in California. Nothing like it…!
This past weekend, I decided to take a break from riding. I just wanted to chill out and relax. I had been going pretty hard with work and just life in general and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Instead of riding, I spent time with friends, went to the ballet, and chilled at Dolores Park with my sister and dogs. If I really think about it, I think I have been trying to take advantage of the opportunities and activities presented before me, so I can say that I have lived my life. I have rarely said no to anything. As my BFF told me, “it is ok to say yes to rest!” . I wholeheartedly agree.
Call it the type A in me, but this week I have gotten my energy back.. my pep in my step. I have been more focused on getting things done, so similar to my time when I was applying to business school, I have designated a couple of hours every night to handle my business (i.e. non-profit board responsibilities, baby research & prep, self-improvement, etc.). I do have to say that this shift has helped and energized me.
I finally chatted with HR and I will be taking the 12 weeks FMLA and will be compensated for 6 of those weeks. That is much better than I imagined, since I budgeted for no compensation in those three months. I love being from and living in California. Nothing like it…!
This past weekend, I decided to take a break from riding. I just wanted to chill out and relax. I had been going pretty hard with work and just life in general and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Instead of riding, I spent time with friends, went to the ballet, and chilled at Dolores Park with my sister and dogs. If I really think about it, I think I have been trying to take advantage of the opportunities and activities presented before me, so I can say that I have lived my life. I have rarely said no to anything. As my BFF told me, “it is ok to say yes to rest!” . I wholeheartedly agree.
Call it the type A in me, but this week I have gotten my energy back.. my pep in my step. I have been more focused on getting things done, so similar to my time when I was applying to business school, I have designated a couple of hours every night to handle my business (i.e. non-profit board responsibilities, baby research & prep, self-improvement, etc.). I do have to say that this shift has helped and energized me.
You are correct, it is okay to rest!! Congrats on your paid leave, that's awesome, and I hope a trend that will move across the country for all new fathers!
ReplyDeleteI know how scary its to tell the job. I told them about a week or so ago. Congrats on FMLA too!
ReplyDeleteFred, I hear ya. You just never know what the reaction will be. I hope the reaction to your news was nothing but positive.
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