France is set to expand paternity leave to up to three months following a child’s birth, a move intended to support families. However, a new investigation reveals the benefits of this extended leave may not be equally accessible to all fathers. The impact of taking this leave varies significantly based on profession, with white-collar workers potentially facing fewer repercussions than those in trades. Levels of responsibility within a company and the prevailing corporate culture also play a crucial role in how fathers are perceived for utilizing the new benefit. The investigation highlights potential career setbacks for fathers who take full advantage of the extended leave, particularly in sectors less supportive of work-life balance. This raises questions about whether French companies truly embrace the concept of engaged fatherhood without professional penalty. The changes aim to promote greater gender equality in childcare, but implementation challenges remain.