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AIBU?

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Original poster

Should I go back to work?

6 replies

Whatinthedoopla · 14/06/2024 14:01

I'm currently on maternity leave, I go back at the end of the year. My partner has just lost his job, and mentioned that I could go back to work and he stays looking after the baby. I said no, but keep thinking about it, his mental health, and whether that might be the right decision.
Should I go back to work early?

OP posts:
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Original poster
Whatinthedoopla · 14/06/2024 16:39

The thing is I love being on maternity leave, and it's not like he can take shared parental leave. Also, I hate my job, and will be looking for a different job closer to the time of my return.

I feel guilty for being on maternity leave and not contributing as much financially as I could

OP posts:
Catza · 14/06/2024 14:48

I think it is a great idea. Your partner gets a chance to bond with the baby and also develops some parenting skills. It will take financial pressure off. I can see nothing wrong with this plan except if you are really keen on having time off.
I have a couple of friends who shared leave 50/50 and they all rave about it.

neverbeenskiing · 14/06/2024 14:18

Can you afford not to go back to work early? YANBU to want your full maternity leave but how will you manage if neither of you are working?

Arewealljustloosingtheplot · 14/06/2024 14:14

I think in the short term, if financially you need the income then yes, do it. But he will need support and it will need reviewing once he finds another job , ideally you both would work some hours

slug · 14/06/2024 14:12

My Dh quit his job because of depression and became a SAHD. I was skeptical, but it was the making of him. I got back the man I married. Just don't expect perfection.

TomatoSandwiches · 14/06/2024 14:06

I would say from my own experience that having MH issues and being a SAHP is not a good mix, how about you both work part-time so you can share responsibilities and it works out fairer, you may even be able to not need childcare if you work opposing days.

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