“Happy to be back?” What to say on return from Mat leave?

[Peanutbutteryday]

What do I say when my team ask if I am happy to be back from maternity leave?

The truth is I’d rather be off with my dc but financially I have to work. I am in a corporate job so I can’t say that!

The last and only person who came back from Mat leave in our team was ott excited to be back.

I don’t want to have to fake being ott excited, but I do need a diplomatic, professional and positive response to hand.

Any suggestions?!

"Would any of us be here if we didn't have to be?"

Just smile and say "of course!" Then asked them about themselves and change the subject. Or "yes but I forgot how tough the commute is, my goodness the trains/roads/parking are terrible". Everyone can bond over crappy commutes.

I’d be honest and say it’s a mix of excitement at having adult conversations/ company but also you’re missing the little ones. I think it’s fine to be open about the challenge of working / motherhood

"Looking forward to drinking a hot cup of tea!"

Look for the positives, however tiny they may be.

You may well cry if you're anything like me, so I'd prepare to have to say "Well I'm sure I'll get back into the swing of things soon. So what did I miss?" with a smile.

You really need help to work this out?

This is what I said.... because it was true! 😂

Just say yes.

Just smile and shrug. They very well might not ask. Why assume they will?

"Looking forward to drinking a hot cup of tea!"

That would be my response.

Hopefully no-one will ask you! I always just say 'nice to have you back' to returners. I remember how mixed those first few days felt.

Maybe something like nice to have some adult conversation.

I'd go for something like the hot cup of tea response. It's likely to be true without having to get into missing your baby or whatever.