Finding Inspiration and Balance through Paternity Leave

Becoming a dad changed everything for me, and that's to put it mildly. One area I didn’t expect it to affect was my work ethic. As a designer, I was used to long office hours, back-to-back meetings, and late nights wrapped up in projects. But when my son was born, that all flipped. Suddenly, time felt more valuable than ever.

Taking paternity leave was a game-changer. It gave me the chance to hit pause on work and soak in those first moments with my son. The long nights and new routines weren’t easy, but the reward - being fully present for those small, fleeting moments like his first smile or the quiet rhythm of rocking him to sleep - made it all worth it.

What surprised me most was how much it fueled my creativity. Stepping away from the grind gave me fresh eyes and ideas I wouldn’t have found grinding away in the office. Sometimes, inspiration hits when you least expect it - like during a 3 a.m. feeding session.

Now that I’m back at work, I’ve tried to bring some of those lessons with me. I’ve got a new appreciation for work-life balance, a sharper focus on what really matters, and a deeper well of inspiration to draw from.

Those first few weeks with my son were unforgettable. They’ve shaped how I approach both life and work, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.