AIBU to feel this way?

[harrypotternerd]

For the past several years I have been a SAHM and recently got a job.
The job is fulltime - 5 and a half days a week. The people are all nice and I like the job but I have been in almost constant tears.
DD and DS have autism, it is very high functioning but they do have a lot of appointments plus some other medical issues. OH works from home so he has now started taking the DC to appointments, school etc. I just feel like I am missing out on so much.
I have always been at home with them and haven't worked out of the home since they were born so it is a huge change. How do I deal with this? Am I being dramatic and just need to get over it? I work from 8am - 5pm mon - fri and 10am - 2pm saturdays so I leave before they get up and I am home anywhere between 6 and 7pm. It feels like I have no time for them and I am worried how that will affect our bond.
AIBU to feel this way? How do I make it easier? I started this job a week ago.

YANBU- it's very understandable. But I don't think you should feel guilty and am sure it won't affect their bond with you. Just make sure the time you do get with them is well spent.

That's a big jump from SAHM to 5 and a half days. Is there an option to go part time somewhere instead?

Aren’t you doing more hours than the working time thingy?

Whats the working time thingy? I am in Australia if it makes a difference. Unfortunately because of finances I can't go part time or I would have done that first.

They are long hours- it would be nice to have at least two full days off a week. Having said that, my DH works long hours and couldn't be closer to our DCs.

Also, I think you should give the job at least 6 months as it often takes time to adapt to the new way of life.

Well If you need to work for financial reasons ( rather than amusement) then you haven't got a choice have you? Unless you can find another job that's 5 days a week then I'm afraid you're just going to have to get on with it. Living in London there are plenty of parents who work long hours who still manage to maintain their relationship with their children. You don't say how old your children are but they are at school so not babies so I don't see the " bond" as much of an issue. They also have the benefit of another parent taking them to their appointments. All in all I think this is about you moving from being a SAHM to working which is no doubt quite an adjustment. Give it a few weeks and no doubt you'll have settled into a better routine