I didn’t want to say much about this as it is not that common, especially here in South Africa. The norm here is three days and some annual leave. When I share that I’m on family responsibility leave and for how long, people usually either respond with excellent or a mild form of disgusted jealousy. I’m am truly blessed to have the privilege of paid leave for such a long time.
6 Months ago Lauren and I started a new Journey: Hosea was born on 27 September 2018. He was healthy and came into the world screaming joining his big brother Judah as a focus of our complete love and affection.
From the get-go, I realized that Judah doesn’t magically become a big boy. I don’t know why I didn’t think of this, but we now have two babies in the house. I can tell you this much. Having another baby in the house is such a big Joy, however soon after we got home, the reality set in and you realize that you and your wife each have a child to look after. I remember the days when one could say, please look after him while I do this or that, no more handing over and taking naps. All we do now is swop children. Each one makes one. The amazing thing is watching them love each other. It’s interesting that these little humans can show so much love and affection.
I can tell you that it doesn’t feel like a massive holiday. You still have a lot of work to do elsewhere. Work with looking after the Kids. Work with helping your wife recover after labor. Work with having family over. Work around the house and work on family health. Time off feels like work. Before you know it, 6 Months is over. Though I’ve had many things to focus on, I had a lot of time to think. I had a lot of time for Blogging and Journalling.
The time off felt like a dream. At times I couldn’t believe that such a perk would even exist. I admire the confidence and the good faith placed on us. There is no obligation to pay anything back should one decide to leave. There were no strange emails from HR.
Time is not a commodity it is a dried up well.
We don’t have time for each other anymore. Providing valuable time with loved ones is one of the best investments any company can make. I’m now more focused on delivering value and making sure others can continually enjoy these benefits.
If you are interested in working at a company that genuinely cares about its humans, prepare yourself to apply to Automattic.
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Dwain Maralack 
What a great blog…. indeed you are highly blessed and favoured to enjoy 6 months of paternity leave. Your thankful and humble appreciation surely echo your love for your wife and kids.
Continue to make a difference and adding value to the company and others.
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