Zhivko Kulev is a Senior UI/UX Designer at Endpoints News, part of the Financial Times, based in Bulgaria. In this story, he shares his experience of using FT’s 12 weeks of fully paid paternity leave and stepping away from work during an important moment in his life. With the flexibility to split his leave into two periods, he was able to support his family both in the early days after his son was born and later when additional support was needed. He reflects on preparing for leave, fully disconnecting, and returning with a clearer sense of priorities.

When did you first learn about the FT paternity leave benefit, and how did you decide to use it?

I first heard about the FT paternity leave benefit a few months before my son was born. I did find the benefit to be quite generous, and also the fact that being part of Endpoints News we get to have the same benefits as FT Sofia.

Another thing that I found incredibly valuable is that the paternity leave benefit offers the flexibility to split the time into multiple blocks within the first year. And this is exactly what I did - I took the first block shortly after our son was born so I could be fully present and support my family during those early days. I saved the second block for later in the year and used it at a time when work was a bit less intense. That timing worked out particularly well, as it coincided with a period when my wife needed extra support and our son was experiencing significant discomfort from teething. Being able to be there during both of those important phases made a real difference for us.

Before and during your leave, how did you prepare to step away and manage to disconnect from work?

Before going on leave I focused on creating as much clarity and continuity as possible for my colleagues. That meant documenting ongoing projects, aligning on priorities and making sure the work was clearly handed over. What helped most was the open support from my manager and colleagues which made it feel like taking leave wasn’t a disruption, but something genuinely encouraged. Knowing everything was in good hands made it much easier to step away with confidence.

There’s always a reflex to stay slightly connected, but once when I got to spend more time with my wife and our baby, I quickly settled into the rhythm at home. We formed a routine of regularly going out for a walk together as we noticed our baby really enjoys nature and the fresh air. I can say it only took me a few days to fully disconnect, although I did check my mail every now and then just out of curiosity.

What was your experience like during leave, and what moments stand out the most?

The first days were a mix of excitement, adjustment, and very little sleep. The structure of a workday completely disappeared and was replaced by a much more unpredictable, but meaningful routine. Instead of meetings and deadlines, the focus shifted to playing, feeding, and just being there. It was slower in some ways, but also more intense and immersive.

The small, everyday moments stand out the most - those early interactions, the gradual changes, and simply having uninterrupted time together as a family. It’s a period that goes by incredibly quickly, so having the space to be fully present made a huge difference.

How was your return to work, and did your perspective change after the experience?

A supportive team and a gradual ramp-up made all the difference. Having time to catch up, reconnect, and ease back into responsibilities helped avoid feeling overwhelmed. Clear communication about priorities also made the transition smoother.

Paternity leave definitely gave me a clearer sense of perspective. I came back more focused on what truly matters, both at work and outside of it. It reinforced the importance of balance and being intentional with time, and I think it’s made me more effective in how I prioritize and approach my work.

How has this experience influenced the way you think about your role and impact at FT?
It reinforced the value of a supportive culture. Experiencing this benefit firsthand made me appreciate how much the company invests in its people. It’s also made me more mindful of supporting others - whether they’re going on leave or managing responsibilities outside of work.

What advice would you give to new fathers about balancing work and family in those early months and beyond?
Take the time fully - you won’t get it back. Be present, even when it feels challenging or unfamiliar. Trust your team at work and don’t feel guilty about stepping away. And longer term, accept that balance isn’t static - it shifts, and that’s okay. The key is being intentional about where your time and attention go.