How to handle the guilt of working?

[Justonedayatatime11]

DD(4) has just started reception and I was lucky enough to be offered a fantastic job that would mostly fit around school hours. However, 2 weeks in and tonight we've had the biggest meltdown, she's absolutely sobbed her heart out that she misses me and doesn't want me to go to work. I don't know what to do. She's on the second week of a staggered start, so is only doing half days and I'm really worried how she'll react next week when she starts full time. I don't want to give up my job, but how the hell do you deal with the guilt?

Do you have a husband who goes to work? How does he deal with he guilt of working?

Your dd will have to go to school regardless of whether you work or not though won't she?

Shell get used to it quickly

I find the fact that I am financially independent providing a comfortable life for DD and get to spend 3-4 weeks a year abroad on holiday, only made possible by my wage contributing to the house hold makes any 'guilt' subside
For the record Dh worked full time since day 1 and hes never looked back
I have been working full time since dd was 2

She'll get through it, I promise.

I'd suggest you have her dad take over as much of her care as possible so you can focus on the job for a while. It's good for kids to have a great relationship with both parents.

Can you think of working as a benefit to the whole family rather than something you are doing for yourself? It’s financial security for you all and can allow you to offer your children more possibilities as they get older. Hang in there she’s probably just trying to process everything and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Don’t make any decision either way until a few more weeks pass. Maybe check in with school as to how she’s getting on

I think school is overwhelming and they get very tired.

I have always worked and yes you do feel guilty at times, but mine are 16 and 14 now- I don’t have any regrets