To hate being back at work after maternity leave?

[Velvetorsilk]

It’s been four and a half months and I still hate it.

Does it get better? I feel so sad. I hate the morning rush, I get tearful driving past the park we spent so many happy hours in, I ge upset when I see the baby classes we went to advertise on Facebook for the new term.

I just want to go back in time!

I felt like this after going back with my first child. It was a sign that I a wasn't really happy in the job. Truthfully I wasn't happy before having DS1 but I stayed for maternity pay etc. I moved jobs whilst on maternity leave with DS2. I was much happier but I went part time so I was home with DC more too.

That sounds miserable, it's horrible going back if you don't want to. If you don't have a choice then yes, you will at get used to it over time because you just have to get on with it. If you have an option to work less hours then that might be worth exploring, even a half day off would give you time to maybe do one of the classes you used to. I hope things work out for you.

Are you full or part time?

I went back to work 4 full days, my DH and FIL had 2 days each with DS, so I had 3. We did this for around 8 months and then I decided to look for a job that was just 2 days a week. After a year I became pregnant with 2nd DS, with MIL looking after both children for those 2 days it worked out the best. If you weigh up childcare costs and salary, you might find there’s not much difference in cutting down your working week.

It is totally normal, and it does get better. It's an absolutely primal thing, feeling bereft at being away from your child.

As others have said, if there were an opportunity to reduce your hours it might be worth looking into this.

I'd be very wary of making a snap decision now, though. It's a very bad idea to give up work altogether. That awful tug of being away from your baby will subside over time but you will really struggle to get back on the career ladder if you exit the workforce altogether and you then risk your financial independence which is absolutely critical.

Just take it step by step, know that its normal and that as long as you are sure your baby is being well cared for it will pass.

I’m full time, but hoping to go part time in the next few months. That doesn’t sound too bad when I type it like that but it feels like forever!

You'll notice a massive difference going part time.
I'm 3 days and I find the balance perfect.