To leave 7 month old to start a new job?

[user1467117350]

So, I'm currently on maternity leave with my DD (5 months) and I also have a DS (2.5 years).

I have been with my current company for a number of years, and have felt despondent over a promised promotion not materialising prior to going on mat leave, not feeling valued, poor communication whilst on mat leave etc...

A job came up working for a company I have always wanted to work for last month. I applied, thinking I wouldn't even get to interview stage. Went for the interview, job sounded great, lovely people.

Received feedback last week that they are very interested but the total package for the role is slightly less than what I am on - I asked if they would consider slightly reduced hours so I could work a compressed week and take a day off during the week, but unfortunately that isn't something they could consider currently.

They would also want me to start within the next 1-2 months - making my DD just 7 months when I start.

With my DS I took 10 months off, and then my current company were flexible enough to let me work 4 days a week, something I am hoping they will repeat this time...

Would I be completely mad to take this new job? I don't feel comfortable leaving DD so young and only getting to see both for a very short time in the evening, and not have a day off during the week. But at the same time, I think career wise this would be a good move?

[3luckystars]

That's a hard one.

[Crunchyside]

Based on the fact you previously did 4 days a week and went back after 10 months, 5 days a week after 7 months doesn't seem like a massive step up. And perhaps after working there for a few months if you're not happy with the work-life balance you could always request a change in working pattern.

If you're miserable with your current employer and this new one is pretty much your dream job I say go for it, it's better for your kids to have a happy fulfilled mother and you'll find the time you do spend together will be really cherished quality time.

Having said all that, personally I wasn't willing to do more than 3 days a week once I had a baby but if it was a question of taking a much better job I'd probably have been happy to add an extra working day!

[GreenPetal94]

It depends how much you want the new job (and how much you enjoy the baby stage?)

[user1467117350]

I must admit it has been much harder at home this time with a baby and a toddler, so I think the idea of going back to work earlier doesn't sound too bad - But I think I would suffer from mummy guilt at barely seeing them during the week :-(

Another thing to think about is with my current company I am involved in a save as you earn scheme and receive free shares - in the last year our share price has really gone up so if I did stay and the company continued to do well, I could get a very good pay out in 2.5 years.

[user1467117350]

But also, I am still in contact with a friend at work who is covering me, and she said things aren't great there at the moment, people not getting on, and the work is very frustrating.

[Crunchyside]

Hmm, the shares thing can be a bit of a trick to trap you with a company!

When I went back to work I definitely felt like work was a "break" compared to home life with a baby... Coffee breaks, adult conversation, ability to actually sit and achieve something without constant interruptions, etc!

[RainbowsAndUnicorn]

Take the new job, you are in work a large number of years so if there is a role where you can be happy and enjoy it take it with both hands.

A baby is very adaptable, as longs as their needs are met they will be happy and they have no memories so won't have a clue whether you go back at seven or ten months.

[healthyeating]

I am in a similar situation. When I started maternity leave the contract I was on finished (totally expected). I have decided to spend my maternity retraining (studying from home) to do something I would love instead of reapplying at the end for jobs I'd end up not enjoying. I thought I'd struggle to find any sort of work initially, once the maternity leave ended due to lack of experience. But, by word of mouth I ended up being offered a job which is a fantastic stepping stone for the future. It's part time, extremely flexible and a decent wage so I've finished maternity leave after 6 months to go for it. I do feel guilt for leaving my baby so soon, but I'm looking to the future and seeing the benefits for the whole family.

[user1467117350]

@healthyeating - Well done on the retraining while on leave, that must have been hard!

I guess its not so much going back to work, its the fact that the new company can't be flexible at the moment, so I would have to be in 5 days a week, and with the commute, I would only get home just after 7pm. After DS, I found the day off during the week was great to spend some quality time with him.

Difficult decision, I have been going back and forward all weekend - I will have to make my mind up as they want an answer from me by tomorrow morning. At the moment I think I will have to stay where I am to get that extra day off with the children.

[zeebeedee]

It's fairly recent that mums have got to have longer maternity leave - I went back to work full time when DS1 was 5 months old. I'm not trying to get into a 'poor me' competition, just pointing out that babies thrive even if it's not their Mum looking after them.

If you start the new job you can apply for flexible working as soon as you finish your probation period.