The Exhausting but Nice Return to Work

Three days have come and gone and I have worked eight hours on each of them.  I am exhausted physically and mentally, but happy.  The return to work was a lot smoother than I thought it would be.  I was really anxious when I first went back on Sunday.  I wasn't sure how things were going to go and I wasn't sure how I'd feel about being back.

A lot had changed in the four months since I was last working and I felt like I was the new guy all over again.   Here's the weird part:  I didn't mind it.  I am approaching every day at work like I have a lot to learn and I do.  It's a nice feeling.  Just concentrating on making sure the work gets done.  The best part of my days was always when someone I hadn't seen in months got excited to see I was back.  It always helps the transition when you realize that people actually missed your presence.  I may have been out for four months, my boss treats me like I never left.  He is an incredible manager and an amazing person.

The hardest part for me is the time away from my daughter.  I had gotten used to being around her all day and it has been particularly hard to get up in the morning and leave for work before she is awake and then not see her until near dinner time.  It has really helped me to keep my work/life balance so far.  When my work day is over, I don't stay extra time.  I get the hell out of dodge to get home to my family.  I definitely know which one if more important to me this time around and have my priorities set straighter.

There have been a few tensions when I got home from work, though.  The job I do is physically demanding and I came home exhausted, mentally and physically.  It is getting a little easier each day, but I still come home tired every day.  The difference this time around is that I am helping with stuff around the house.  I am going for walks with the family.  I have struggled to stay awake when I get home, but I am fighting through it.  I think it will get easier as I get back into shape.

All in all, a good few days.  We'll see how the rest of the week progresses!