To consider handing my notice in whilst on maternity leave?

[tealandteal]

I am currently on maternity leave and I am due to go back in July, agreed to go back on 4 days. A job was advertised somewhere I have always wanted to work, for more money. It is also closer to home. I have just heard I have an interview! Would I be unreasonable to not go back to work after maternity? Would I be unreasonable to put DS in nursery 5 days for sake of my career? Currently I am in an admin position, there is a job I want to do and the new role is sort of an in between role that doesn't exist at my current workplace. It is more specialised in a certain area, which I am slightly worried will pigeon hole me in future?

Don't over think it - I would go for the interview, and did the same when I was on Mat leave. You only have to make a decision if they offer it to you. By the time they do (if they do) you'll have a load more information to work with to make your decision.

(I did get the job I wanted and go back full-time 8-4pm and I love it, but I also interviewed for other jobs which would have been a total nightmare i.e. no flexible working, expensive time consuming travel etc.)

You owe them no loyalty.. unless you have enhanced maternity pay and you may have to pay it back.

You've not got a job offer yet so just go on and see how you get on!

Lots of people reconsider their job/work/career on ML. Many don’t return to the job they left, you wouldn’t be the first. Check what your existing employer's policy is on repaying enhanced maternity pay though, or length of service tie-in after ML.

How you feel about your DS being at nursery 5 days a week is entirely personal (does the nursery have space for the extra day?), a decision that only you can make around your own feelings, family and finances.

If you are offered the job maybe you could discuss flexible/part time working, if not immediately then after a few months?

Good luck going forward as a working parent!

I didn't think I would get an interview so it is all suddenly more real! I will definitely go to the interview and give it my best shot and see how we go from there.

No enhanced maternity to pay back, and my non working day was to be the quietest one for nursery so can't imagine any problems having him for the extra day.

Good luck OP. It sounds like a great opportunity.