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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Anyone else dreading returning to work?

129 replies

Overstimulatedmom · 31/12/2023 09:12

Had such a lovely time with my kids and husband and seeing family I absolute dread the return of everyday life. Working all day 5 days a week barely spending any decent time with my kids.

It’s even made me think about leaving my well paid corporate job and whether it’s even worth it anymore. I’ll never be rich anyway or well off enough to not worry.

What is the point in missing out on so much life for a bit of extra money.

OP posts:
CornishPorsche · 31/12/2023 09:17

Nope, because I changed job 3 years ago and I love it. My old job made me feel sick.

Look at the job and what alternatives there are which you might actually enjoy.

Jochef · 31/12/2023 09:27

I stopped working for the man 2 years ago, I’ve built up a little tea shop from scratch using all my skills and all lessons learnt in 30 years in the business.
I'm itching to get back to reopening, and I love opening my shutters knowing that it’s all mine!!!

I was a head chef before, with all the money and kudos that goes with it. Working 70 hour week, no weekends off and working Easter, Christmas etc….
Sundays are now our sacred day, nobody gets to see my husband and I on a Sunday after years of working Sunday lunch.

Granted I don’t have the disposable income that I had, but most of it was spent on red wine! I don’t even drink anymore because I don’t feel that kind of pressure.

Do what you love doing for a living - if you can, and you won’t regret it.

Zanatdy · 31/12/2023 09:29

Why not look at changing your job. It’s hard going slogging your guts out working 5 days a week when you’ve got young kids

PumpkinPie2016 · 31/12/2023 09:47

Sorry you feel this way! It's not a nice feeling.

I go back on the 8th (secondary teacher) and I know I am lucky to have two weeks off.

That said, much as I love teaching, it is hectic and full pelt in term time. I am head of a core department as well so lots of work and pressure.
I have quite a lot to do for the new term as well but so far have done nothing - had a lovely time with DH and DS plus wider family though!

Anyhow, not much advice but sympathies. Could you maybe look at doing 4 days instead of 5? Might just give some breathing space in the week.

Bigcoatweather · 31/12/2023 09:50

Time to change your role for something you feel passionate about?

Floopani · 31/12/2023 09:54

I feel the same, I'm dreading it. I have been in a job that I never wanted to do, but logistics and money meant it was a good choice for a short time as we were looking to buy a house and I work at home permanently. We just moved into that and I'm currently retraining alongside this role, but I really really hate it. Hoping to find something new in 2024, although it's tricky as it's very well paid with good benefits for the area. Just need to get out of those golden handcuffs!

twistyizzy · 31/12/2023 09:59

Yes me!
Only started new job in November but really don't want to go back on Tuesday. Have to pass probation in March and then I can relax a bit but its just the thought of the intense pressure from now until my next week off at Easter combined with the hamster wheel of school/chid/house/dog/etc etc.
New job came with 10K payrise which is great but in reality means more pressure to prove myself etc.
Once my 2 years is completed I may look at asking for a sabbatical for 12 months.

MammaTo · 31/12/2023 10:01

Yes - it’s extra hard this year as I’m going back after 13 months maternity leave and I feel like my lovely little bubble is about to burst and life’s going to be very very hectic from now on.

TheOGCCL · 31/12/2023 10:05

OP could you switch to working 0.8 to get a weekday off? If you’re a high ish earner you don’t lose a fifth of the income.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 31/12/2023 10:10

yes me, but just cos I’m essentially bone idle.
as pp said, look at dropping a day or two. Use salary calculator online, it has a pro rata calculator ( my phone wanted that to be pie tiara!). I never worked full time until my kids left high school.

Original poster
Overstimulatedmom · 31/12/2023 10:10

MammaTo · 31/12/2023 10:01

Yes - it’s extra hard this year as I’m going back after 13 months maternity leave and I feel like my lovely little bubble is about to burst and life’s going to be very very hectic from now on.

Oh bless you i loved being in that maternity leave bubble!

OP posts:
LlynTegid · 31/12/2023 10:11

No, because I go into work between Christmas and New Year.

Leftoversgalore · 31/12/2023 10:11

Me. I'm an exams officer. Back to school and exams next week and I know I'll be utterly exhausted by the end of the first week back.

I don't think it is worth extra money. I used to work part time while my children were little and now I'm full time, but I really miss the breathing space I had part time. The house is never tidy, I'm never on top of cooking etc.

I'd definitely go back to part time if I could find something that would work on that basis.

Friendfoe1 · 31/12/2023 10:12

MammaTo · 31/12/2023 10:01

Yes - it’s extra hard this year as I’m going back after 13 months maternity leave and I feel like my lovely little bubble is about to burst and life’s going to be very very hectic from now on.

I’m back to work from maternity leave soon, I’m dreading it.

iluvsummer · 31/12/2023 10:13

Yes, I feel sick when I think
about going back, it is so bad I have had panic attacks and migraines for the last week. I have applied for 2 non teaching jobs but they don’t close until mid January.

Original poster
Overstimulatedmom · 31/12/2023 10:15

I am planning on applying for some other jobs today probably just basic admin positions part time. But there isn’t much around at the moment! so desperate to leave the corporate world behind.

OP posts:
101jobs · 31/12/2023 10:17

Yes. I hate going to work with a passion. I am wishing my life away by constantly counting down to the weekend.

There is no point me looking for a different job because I don’t want to work anywhere. I want to be able to afford to be a housewife. That would make me happy.

Dontcallmescarface · 31/12/2023 10:18

Nope. I went back on Thursday and was glad to be back to some sort of normality.

Disturbia81 · 31/12/2023 10:23

No I love my job and never get the dread. Sadly the most satisfying jobs are helping people and they are rarely well paid. There is a trade off to everything in life.. I'd rather be happy than have money.
I see so many people who have a big house somewhere nice, but they are burnt out and too overworked to enjoy it. Too busy to see their kids. I know they'll be regretting it on their deathbed

AuntMarch · 31/12/2023 10:25

I felt like this last time i had a week off.. I'm in a different job now!

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 31/12/2023 11:04

I’ve been off with non work related depression and stress since the beginning of December, due back on the 8th, dh hasn’t been well, weather been shit. I really, really don’t want to go back. I’m retiring later this year and can’t wait.

Original poster
Overstimulatedmom · 31/12/2023 11:20

101jobs · 31/12/2023 10:17

Yes. I hate going to work with a passion. I am wishing my life away by constantly counting down to the weekend.

There is no point me looking for a different job because I don’t want to work anywhere. I want to be able to afford to be a housewife. That would make me happy.

Hahaha this sounds like me! I’ve never been able to just get on with working I always have an issue. Wanted a better paid job I studied and got one. Now I hate working full time! But I think I may hate working in general.

OP posts:
NoMoreXmasTree · 31/12/2023 11:27

I'm resigning next Friday which is my first day back. Can't wait!! Shame I have to work 3 months notice.

101jobs · 31/12/2023 11:27

The consolation is there are many people like us. Not everyone obviously, but certainly most of the people in my circle.

I guess we just keep on counting down to retirement or wishing for a lottery win. 😂 Good luck OP.

WashItTomorrow · 31/12/2023 11:30

I’ve been working all last week. I don’t get public holidays off. I’d like not to work, and I work full time. I could happily spend my days pottering around.