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Feeling conflicted about going back after maternity leave

2 replies

Prettybow · 02/09/2025 10:40

My baby is nearly 11 months old now and I will be going back to work in mid Sep. This is my second DC and my older DC is 4. I am feeling so conflicted about going back to work and how I will cope with everything.
I have got a lovely childminder where baby is doing settling in sessions now. I was so clear earlier about going back to work but now I am feeling torn. I am still breastfeeding and she doesn't drinks from bottle, only sippy and open cup. She has been with mostly but is very social as we have her grandad living with us. Older DC is at preschool.
I thought it would be easier this time round but finding it harder. I am going back only part time and it's a good flexible public sector job and I have worked hard to get there. Pay is decent at 70k and my DH is going to support whatever I do but leaving would mean I will lose financial independence as well as we won't be able to afford our current lifestyle.
Appreciate any advice and suggestions.

OP posts:
Prettybow · 02/09/2025 10:44

Bump

OP posts:
ComtesseDeSpair · 02/09/2025 10:51

What does not being able to afford your current lifestyle mean? Small adjustments and some belt-tightening on luxuries; or larger changes and scrimping, likely to cause friction between you and DH because scrimping and scraping and worrying about unexpected bills feels shit?

Part-time in a flexible job seems like the best of both worlds, particularly if you have the option to go full time again when DC are older or if DH loses his job. If keeping on top of everything is a worry, then does having two incomes also provide enough for a cleaner to come even if only for a couple of hours every other week?

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