Is it as bad as i feel it will be going back to work?

[SleepDeprived2018]

I am going back to work after a years maternity leave with my first DC.

Absolutely dreading it. I know DD will love nursery but i hate that i will be away from her so much and will miss some ‘firsts’

Is going back to work after maternity leave as hard as i feel it will be?
I am going back part time but after spending a year it just feels like a lot 😞

Probably depends how much you like your job. I've absolutely loved going back! Despite not loving my job before, and having a blast on May leave. Went back full time when DS was 15mo. Positive mindset, think of the benefits to you and baby!

@goostacean i don’t love it but i don't hate it - but a lot of my work friends have left while i have been off so that doesn’t help

Nowhere near as bad as you think it’s going to be. If you get a lunch hour, plan a couple of nice lunches with friends. Take 10 minutes to drink a hot cup of coffee. Have a conversation that isn’t about CBeebies. Actually get the opportunity to miss your kid and look forward to seeing them at pick up every day. Think about that first pay day!

@elizzza 30 min lunch - but you make a very good point about the first payday and a hot drink 👍🏼

I thought it was wonderful both times. I love my dc but it’s so nice to have a bit more balance in life again. Both times I went straight back into a long commute (I spend 6 hours a day traveling on top of my working day). That was hard (though the balance is I get a lot of other time at home as I don’t work 5 days. But going back to work itself was genuinely a really positive experience both times.

@mindutopia woww 6 hours travel a day 😲

It’ll be okay! Just count on a little weepiness the first week or two (for you, not your baby), which will pass.

I’m so grateful that I kept my career going despite having had four kids. They are almost grown now and I’m really happy with my work.

It was the best thing I could have done. I found it hard going back and settling back in, but I treasured the time I have with DD so much more. I was fortunate that we could afford for me to be part time. I had PND, also I’m Autistic so the lack of structure was difficult for me on Mat leave. DD was okay being left and when she started pre-school she made friends that went with her to school that she still has now.

@Zillie77 ah you are living my dream i would love four children!
Yes have been very weepy already 🙈

@FaithInfinity thats lovely that she still has the same friends now - an i like what you said about treasuring the time with DD more!

My ovaries were in overdrive back then! I had four kids in five years! It seemed do-able at the time, but in retrospect it was tiring.

I cried every morning for the first several months before I adjusted to leaving my first child to go to work.

However, I went back to work ten weeks after giving birth (like most of my peers in the US, unfortunately), so I think it might not be as difficult for you, I hope?

Good luck, it’s going to be fine!