work as social life...?

[patoamarillo]

Im feeling a bit anxious as D-Day has arrived and I have to make a decision about going back to work or not.

Moved to Spain 2 yrs ago and have worked almost all the time since arrival until 8th month of pregnancy. DS is 5 mths now, I have been offered 2 days a week for 3 hrs. My problem is I DONT WANT to work, I love being with DS and being full time mum, however feel a lot of pressure to go back. DP says I need to work as I feel quite isolated and this would help with being lonely etc etc. (Ive wanted to move back to UK since knowing about pregnancy for this reason but no can do for forseeable future).

I argue that I want a social life with DS included i.e M&T groups, BF grps, baby massage, but there is nothing of the sort in my area.

I sometimes wonder if Im resitant to going back to work just to point out how isolated it is for me here (DP is native) and force a quicker move back to UK.

Can anyone relate to this, have you used work as an excuse to get out and meet others, does it work, or should I stick with guns and be full time mum albiet a bit on my own.

[bebespain]

Hi pato (again)

Well my DS is 20 months now and I have no intention of finding work in the foreseeable future. (Although DH may have other ideas...!)As much as the isolation is a major problem for me I know that I would still rather be at home with DS no matter how hard as this time is precious and we´ll never get it back.

However - I can see how having a job could be a way to meet people. I too have been advised by family members to look for a job as a way of making friends. I´m not so sure that would work for me as I imagine work colleagues maybe meeting for drinks etc and that isn´t the sort of socialising I´m after any more. Like you its the day time M&T groups/activities I´m looking for...

Then again if you´re looking for the opportunity to chat to other adults etc without forging friendships out of work then a couple of days a week might be just the ticket.

It seems from your post that you´re not really ready to go back to work, if I were you I´d stick to me guns and give it a few more months. You may feel totally different as your DS gets a little older.

Good Luck

[FENNEKEPANS]

HI YOU SHOULD STICK WITH YOUR CHILD, IF THAT IS REALLY WHAT YOU WANT TO DO. IF YOU FEEL ISOLATED AND GO BACK TO WORK AND DONT MEET THE RIGHT PEOPLE IS GOING TO BE WORST. AND BABIES AND TODDLERS GROWS UP SO FAST, THAT THE BEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE THEM IS YOUR TIME. PUT AND AD SOMEWHERE NEAR YOU LIVE IN ORDER TO MAKE A GROUP. AND FIND A HOBBY OR SOMETHING TO DO THAT YOU REALYY LOVE.

JUST THINK WHAT YOU WANT AND WHAT IS GREAT FOR YOU!!

WE ONLY LIVE ONCE AND WE HAVE TO MAKE THE BEST

GOOD LUCK