A bit worried and stressed about working full time

[sunandtherain]

We moved house when I was due to start maternity leave, meaning I wasn’t returning to my original teaching role and had to find a new one. I have done so and will start in September.

I’m thrilled to have the job … but it’s going to be so hard leaving my baby.

Can anyone reassure me this will be all right? Please?

I can't reassure you but I can say I'm in the same position. I keep trying to think about all the things I've missed about work like talking to another adult and how much more interesting a class of children can be when they can bounce off one another.

Hmm, Im hating working part time with a baby. Is there any opportunity to go for part time?

It’s more the chaos of getting everything ready and keeping up with life than the actually leaving baby. He’s happy.

I’d have to ask for part time next year - because it’s a new role I have to be in it first I think!

It is going to be hard. I’m looking forward to going back but I just wish it wasn’t full time

Im sure it will be fine, and better than fine once you are in the swing of it, and you can always re-consider part time later if you want. Ignore others who question your decision (there's always someone who thinks baby should be at home with mum or looks horrified that you work full time etc!)-i was a bit taken aback by that and took a bit of me growing thick skin! I've gone back full time, each time (with very short maternity leaves to boot), now have 3dc, love my job, love my kids and it works for me. Hold on to the positives that you are looking forward to going back and the things you have missed and good luck.

It takes a bit of juggling and good cooperation from your partner (assuming you have one) but it will be fine. You will be able to make it work if you want to.

I had a rough time at the end of my mat leave because I worked myself up so much about going back.

My biggest regret is the time I wasted worrying and being sad. I won’t get that time back again and I could have been making the most of every moment.

Of course you’re going to have moments but when you’re back in the swing it’ll be fine.