WIBU to end my maternity leave 9 months early?

[GlitterKisses]

To cut a long story short my baby is now 4 weeks old and during pregnancy me and my partner made the decision for me to take a years maternity leave despite him being 100% willing to take time off and let me go back. I have lately been feeling slightly resentful of him being able to go off to work and socialise with other adults. I dont have many mummy friends and all baby classes and groups in my local area have a waiting list due to high demand so we can't gain access to them for at least another 4 months. Anyway, all this led to me one day deciding that I was going to look for a new job (one that pays well enough for us to be able to afford childcare as we wouldnt be able to afford it if I went back to my previous job) Whilst looking at jobs I stumbled across an amazing role that was well paid and exactly what I want to do. So I applied. To be honest I didn't actually think I would get anywhere so didn't think anything of it but I have received a call his morning inviting me for an interview. Now I don't know what to do!! This job would be an amazing opportunity. It's close to home, exactly what I have spent the last 10 years aiming for, very flexible and the pay is amazing. I know I haven't actually been offered the job but I can't help but feel so guilty that I am excited at the prospect of going back to work when I have planned maternity leave. I am worried I will miss out on my baby :( wibu to go to the interview or do you think I would be a terrible mother for even considering it?

ps the job ticks all boxes
It's close to home,
exactly what you have spent the last 10 years aiming for,
very flexible and the pay is amazing.

you wills till see your baby every day and when not working ; get good childcare and a cleaner and have nice family weekends. you and baby and dh will all be fine

Your baby is still little so you've not given it much of a chance. It is
Boring and monotonous and there isn't much reward ( if any) but it does improve. You should try a local mums Facebook group as I am sure you won't be the only mum who haven't got access to groups etc either. It may be worth trying to meet others just for your own support network with regards to baby because I guarantee there won't be many people at work who will sympathise or empathise when your baby starts becoming challenging/ interesting.
Definitely go for the interview and aim to get the job, I miss work heaps. All the reasons you mentioned and more. But also try the "mum" stuff too. It will reassure you.
Good luck.

Go for it! It's a perfect job opportunity and the benefits it will give you in the future are worth missing out on a few months with your baby for (which she won't remember anyway). Sounds like you're not loving being at home with the baby anyway - which I totally get, I found it both stressful and boring. It did improve but not that much until 10 months or so IME.

Remember you can have unpaid parental leave (13 weeks to be taken prior to their 5th birthday, I think, though it may have increased recently) so you could use that later - when the baby is more interesting or at a stage where they need you more - if you feel you've missed out.

the problem with MN is it's so overwhelmingly pro-working mother

Actually "the problem" with MN is that most people are pro women deciding what is best for them and their family, be that working or choosing not to.

Go for the interview - if you don't get it then there isn't a decision to make straight away and if you do then you can weigh up your options.
I was super lonely around that point - luckily we have a surestart centre nearby so I used that as a starting point.
Ideas for groups:
Paid swimming sessions (expensive but ideal for having a coffee with other mums after as babies are sleepy)
Some leisure centres ofter baby mornings (again opportunities to meet people)
Our library does a weekly singing session (with a play/chat afterwards)
A local church (which I don't attend) has a monthly group (which only had a tiny bit of religious stuff - 1 song and the end of a story) that is free and involves coffee and cake
Sure start holds a baby morning/weigh and play
Even just walking around the park (and stopping for a sit down near the play area)

If you do go to any of these exchange numbers/Facebook so you can arrange additional meet ups.

Definitely go for the interview. The time to decide whether to take a job is when offered the job, not before.

Absolutely go for it!!

My friend got new jobs twice whilst on maternity leave! She said it helped focus her mind

Good luck!

Go for it!

A job which is flexible will be hugely helpful in the long run. Babies are boring, and I had no qualms at all about going back to work at 3 months. You have nothing to lose by going for interview. Good luck!

Have you got a HV? Might be worth mentioning that you're feeling isolated. She might have ideas on things you can do now. Yanbu to be bored, new babies aren't great conversationalists. It will get better. Yanbu to go to the interview, provided that you can work out the logistics if they offer you the job and you want to take it.

When I had maternity leave it was only 3 months anyway; some people stretched it to 6 but had an extended period with no income. Our babies survived.
Goodluck at the interview!

Go to the interview and see how you feel.

And talk to your partner. He may be able to take Shared Parental Leave and Statutory Shared Parental Pay and stay home with your baby for a period if you are offered and take the job.

You have absolutely nothing to lose by going for the interview. Interviews are as much about you auditing the company and seeing if it's the right opportunity for you as it is the other way around.

3 months with my DD and I was chomping at the bit to get back to work and 'adult land'
I don't regret going back at all.
I just wasn't that maternal (probably why I stopped at just the one).
Although I love her to death and would die for her.
But I did have a wonderful childminder lined up who had looked after a friends child and my DNephew.
You do what is right for you and your family.
You've nothing to lose by going for the interview anyway.
You still might not get it.. who knows?

Go for it if you want to.

I went back to work quickly after each DC was born (6 weeks, 3 months and 4 weeks respectively). Older 2 DCs went to childminders when babies. When DC3 came along DH decided to be a SAHP which was perfect for us.

i've gotten new, better jobs on the back of both of my maternity leaves and went back early after DD2 because it was a good opportunity - I did not feel guilty because young children need you continually, and the more flexible and happier you are in your work, the better off they'll be - it is a long game, I absolutely agree, some days my 6 year old needs me more than the younger one. A flexible job you enjoy is a really useful part of being a parent.

ps maybe the temper tantrum was really a wake up call that you needed to find a better job? Sometimes our emotions can lead us to recognise what is right for us. And I agree, your baby will be 3 months by the time this all shakes out and you may be able to defer a few more months.

I was working on KIT days from week 2 and by 3 months was climbing the walls. Went back at 6 months full time and threw myself into a huge range of projects. Breastfed baby till 9 months and he's come with me to Japan Czech Republic italy and India on 4 brilliant work trip along with DH all within his first year. We've had a fab time this year really! Go for it.