I'm going back to work tomorrow after 13 months maternity leave...any advice?

[GirlsAreLoud]

I'm feeling ok-ish about it.

V happy with DD's childminder, she is going to her 10-3 mon, tues and weds and DH and I are swapping our hours about to cover the rest.

I've kind of got to the point with being at home where I dread the beginning of the week trying to think of activities to keep her busy every single day (she gets bored very easily in the house). So in that respect I'm really looking forward to the change.

Just a bit daunted I guess at it's a big change, and the last big change was when she was born, and that was a HUGE change.

Does anyone have any words of advice?

[IwishIhadtimetoreadnewspapers]

Enjoy it!

After both of my periods of maternity leave I enjoyed going back to work to be "me" again rather than Mum.

[latestincarnation]

I went back a couple of weeks ago and despite being apprehensive it was really good for both of us. He loved being at nursery and I have surprised myself by enjoying work. Part time is hugely different to full time!

Enjoy it

[BikeRunSki]

GirlsAreLoud I am going back on Wednesday after 54 weeks off - 5 days before DS's first birthday. I am looking forward to being "me",and DS seems to be enjoying nursery. I am apprehensive about dropping off DS, getting to work and picking him up again in the time available, but I am sure it'll be fine, just got to get used to the new routine.

I know what you mean about getting bored at home and dreading thinking of new activities. I think DS and I will enjoy our time at home more when there is less of it.

[GirlsAreLoud]

Thanks all.

It was the leaving DD bit that was worrying me most, but she seemed to have a fabulous time at the c/m last week so am less worried about that now.

Slightly worried about being up to the job, as it were but I guess that;s natural after so long off.

[preggersplayspop]

I am sure you will enjoy it, I liked wearing work clothes again, having time to relax during my commute and having non baby-based conversations with colleagues. I love seeing my DS's face when I come and pick him up and I love the way I feel so excited to see him at the end of the day.

My advice would be to learn to say no to things at work (I always used to say yes and used to work horrendous hours), delegate as much as you can (if your job allows it), don't plan too many activities for your days off so that you can decide what to do depending on what the weather/your mood is. When I was on mat leave I had loads of activities sorted which was good when I had a whole week with DS, but now I only have one day a week with him its lovely just going with the flow and what we feel like doing that day.

Don't worry about being up to the job, it all comes flooding back quickly!

Good luck.

[llareggub]

I found it took a while to get back into the swing of things at work. After years of speaking confidently at meetings, I found that meetings were difficult as I suddenly felt very apprehensive about speaking. I had to force myself to speak and gradually it got better.

The best advice I have for you is to be far more organised that you've ever been before. It is so much easier if your clothes are all laid out with a spare outfit in case of spills. Make sure bags etc are prepared, keys identified and you give yourself plenty of time. In some ways I found working with children far easier than I did before children; now I am more organised I don't get stressed out in the morning. I'm also up a lot earlier!

Someone on mumsnet suggested sending the odd email from home in the evening to demonstrate commitment so there aren't any raised eyebrows when you leave to pick up the DC. I'd also advise making sure from the start that you and your DH share equally time off when children are ill so it doesn't always fall to you.

Most of all: enjoy it. I enjoyed going to work part-time and enjoyed my time with DS far more because of it. I'm on maternity leave now and looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

[Mamulik]

I am going back to work as well, ans can not wait. Nice to be at home, but want to know all the gossips from the office.

[Dophus]

Good luck - you'll enjoy it although the first few weeks may be hard.

Form your OP - soundas like you're ready!

Did you enjoy your job before? If you did then you'll be glad to be back in a couple of months!

[GirlsAreLoud]

Thanks everyone, woohoo, halfway through my first day!

It's going ok.

I actually work from home so missing out on all the dressing up and seeing people stuff

But I work with some great people so have already had lots of email banter already, which is really nice.

Got a text picture of DD from the c/m and she looks like she's having fun.

So, all in all, not bad so far!

Thanks everyone

[latestincarnation]

Yey! glad its going well so far

[Dophus]

One final bit of advice: ban youself from here!

[potplant]

You work from home - close the browser NOW.

[GirlsAreLoud]

I'm allowed a lunchbreak you know

[Mandy121]

I went back after a year and only lasted 3 months :-) with the commute costs, lunch and childcare the numbers just didn't work out in exchange for the stress.

If the numbers work, it is great to get some me time, I just found that my bosses wanted my me time as well!

Good luck