I am going back to work for v little left over after childcare. It's worth it for our family too, for similar reasons to what other have already posted in this thread.

I agree w/Anasakia - I would give up the best job in the world if I had a baby, cos your child's more important than your career and you should be there for them.

I returned to work part time after dd was one year old, had to fight for it but it's the best move I made. Absolutely loved my year off but needed to go back to work to cover normal costs of living and clear/ manage my debts built up in student and reckless days before I met DP . Year off depleted my healthy savings too. Nursery costs a bomb, struggling with it but we both have to work so that makes the decision for us really. Job is very stressful at the mo - won't bore you with the details. I work in the very same area as you guys - Millbank anyone? fancy coffee at Ravello's? - plus have any of you visited the new nursery next door to new Home Office building? £70 a day!! good grief if you had to return to work say five days a week at £70 per day for childcare, these costs surely presume we don't have mortgages, bills, food and in my case a few debts to clear too? Has childcare always been this expensive? or have things really changed for us Mums who work in the new millenium?

After DS was born I went from FT to 3 days a week and he went to nursery. After 4 years I got made redundant and had some time at home.

After my DD was born (DS was 7 and at school) I went back to work 2 days a week just so we could afford to send her to the same nursery 2 days a week. We felt she would be missing out on a lot if she did not go to nursery at all. Her nursery bills are actually more than my take home pay. Luckily I work in a school so don't have to worry about any childcare costs for DS.

I love my 2 days at work and find I am a better Mum the days I'm at home because I have had a break. Work is about more than just the money you earn.
Why not go back for 3 months and then see how you feel, you can always leave then.

no anasaskia I'm a SAHM too was only back at work a few weeks and jacked it in, first week has been crap coz we've all been ill but I'm glad i've done it, i agree with what you said about early years being important, it would eventually have upset me if nursery staff kept telling me about what my child had achieved when I wasn't there, i know i made the right decision but hey everyones different

Crikey I must be the only SAHM here. My only advice to you is think of your child. The early years are so important and you will never get this time with them again. Everyday I see my DD grow and develop and its fascinating. I wouldn't want to miss that for all the tea in China. A job is just a job.
This is a life...that you created.

Assuming there was a clear longterm benefit,it's an investment.I went back to my clinical job 1 day a week between DD1 & DD2, knowing that I would be lucky to break even, but also knowing that I would keep my skills up and have some sanity getting out of the house.
Could you use the time back at work to gain other skills, experiences and qualifications that would broaden your employability in due course?

Assuming there was a clear longterm benefit,it's an investment.I went back to my clinical job 1 day a week between DD1 & DD2, knowing that I would be lucky to break even, but also knowing that I would keep my skills up and have some sanity getting out of the house.
Could you use the time back at work to gain other skills, experiences and qualifications that would broaden your employability in due course?

Not London. Would CAT you if didn't have to pay Email tinkerblush (at) aol (dot) com

Ooh where could it be? MacDonalds? The Daily Mail?