To be jealous of women going on maternity leave?

[TheBestMusic]

I know this sounds daft, but I can't help but be green with envy when colleagues go off on maternity leave, knowing they will not have to work for a whole year.

I know they have to look after a newborn which is work in itself, and the money isn't a lot (but it's something). But the fact they get to spend a whole year out not even thinking about work makes me feel so envious.

I haven't had more than a week off since I started working 9 years ago, and every holiday I've thought about and worried about work. I'd love to have a reason to not have to think about it.

I had two maternity leaves and both were a fantastic break from work for 7mo this and 9 months. Having said that I had good sleepers and good family support plus good friends on mat leave both times so I didn't get lonely. I also have a full on stressful often don't get my lunch type job and an 75 minute commute.

I'd love another mat leave but too old to have another baby!!

I'm currently on mat leave with a nearly 6 month old, and overall I'm finding it less stressful than full time teaching. I don't have the easiest baby either! She has reflux, CMPA (so no dairy for me) and isn't very chilled out (not so much crying as the incessant screaming was sorted when I went dairy free, but she is interested in absolutely everything, wants to stand constantly, won't sleep on anyone or sit on a lap for any length of time etc) BUT she's great fun, loves being out and about, is mostly great at baby activities and I like that my sole focus is her. I'm absolutely dreading going back to teaching!