Returning to work - what to do?

[Mississippilessly]

I will go back to work as a teacher in Sept when DS is a year old. I don't know what to do as work have rejected my application for what I wanted. So my choices are:

1. Return at 4 days a week and keep my middle management position

2 return at 3 days a week just as a teacher

1. Dont go back at all
2. Do 1 but hope to fall pregnant again soon so it would only be for a year

All childcare would be a childminder (if I can find one). My parents want him a day per week but I don't trust them

I know bo one can tell me what to do but want insights would be appreciated.

Thanks so much everyone. You're giving us loads to think about.

Echo you are absolutely right. It's hard to picture when they are faceless

After DS1 I went back full time in a very high pressure school for 6 months, which was only tolerable because DH was home full time. Then I got a job 4 days a week with HOD in a school with a lighter workload, with DH also working 4 days a week. After having DS2 I went back 2 days a week and dropped the HOD (DH is still 4 days a week). I am glad I don't have the HOD because there is a new head and her expectations of TLR2s seem to be ridiculous. Financially it makes no difference at the moment because we were all made redundant in a restructuring and I didn't apply for any of the new positions so my salary is safeguarded for two years. But I'm slightly regretting being only 2 days as I'm finding it really hard to actually achieve anything in that time. For September I'm hoping to negotiate 3 days a week. I'm not sure what I want to do longer term - I miss being involved in decision making but I massively struggle to get my work done as it is with a poor sleeping 1 year old and a demanding 4 year old.

Going back to work 5 days a week is much easier than four as on four days you’ll end up trying to fit in five days work. Also much easier to keep and progress your career. My DT’s went to nursery five days a week from six months and flourished.

As someone that didn't protect her career I would strongly suggest you do! 4 days per week or FT especially as you plan to have another child.

The right childcare is the key.

I dont want FT. Fine for ppl who do but I wouldn't want him in childcare 5 days a week.

What about a Nanny or Au Pair?

Nannies round here are £12 p/h - we would love one but we just cant afford it.
I would be nervous of an au pair with suce a young child but would be keen to hear success stories!