Man Resigned From His Job To Take Care Of His Daughter, Says One Week Paternity Leave Was Not Enough

“A few days before my daughter was born, I quit my high paying job. I know, it was a bizarre decision. People around me said things like, ‘You know how difficult it’s going to be now?’ or ‘You should’ve kept going.’ But my wife Akanksha stood with me and that was all that mattered.

It was during our trip to the Spiti Valley in Himachal when Akanksha and I had promised ourselves to name our future daughter ‘Spiti.’

Our dream came true last month when we gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Our hearts were full and our lives were complete. But even before my daughter arrived in the world, I knew I wanted to spend all my time with her, more than what my paternity leave allowed, which was just a week.

I knew it was going to be a difficult task. I’d just started off a new job a few months ago and I was working as the Senior Vice President. My work took me to different cities and as much as I enjoyed it, I wanted a longer break after Spiti’s birth.

I knew the company couldn’t extend my leave.
And so, I put in my papers–I called this a promotion to fatherhood and I loved it!
My life has been all about her since then. Be it swinging her in my arms till she sleeps to waking up in the night to sing her lullaby, I am cherishing these moments.

Sometimes in the middle of a lullaby, I see her looking at me so intently, it just warms my heart.
And just like that, a month has gone by. It’s been a sleepless, exciting, exhausting, and yet a joyful month! I know I am going to be applying for jobs a few months later but till then, I am going to make the most of this time and be there for my daughter.
As for Akanksha, she is on her maternity leave for 6 months.

Given how passionate she is about her work, she was also promoted to a Manager a few days after Spiti was born. Seeing her excel in both, her career and motherhood is so fulfilling!

But at the same time what disheartens me is to see how most companies give a significant, next-to-nothing paternity leave.

This issue isn’t just about how less the father connects with the child but more about how we encourage a culture that reduces the responsibility of a father in the role of upbringing. It makes us more of a bread-winner rather than a parent.

The step I have taken isn’t easy. I know not many men can take it. But I hope in the coming years things change because the life that I’ve lived in the last one month has been more fulfilling than all my years of hustle.”

Written by Anam Mirajkar

Source: Humans of Bombay

Email: elora.akpotosevbe@yahoo.com