AIBU to take another year off work?

[Animallover87]

I'm currently half way through mat leave with my first (and only) baby.

I've been offered the opportunity to take another (unpaid) year from my company. It won't in any way affect my job prospects afterwards and I would slot back into the same job.

My DH is happy for me to do this and can cover all the bills on his salary but there isn't much left to spare afterwards so we'd need to tighten our belts but it's definitely doable.

I would rather look after my baby myself for another year than send him to childcare (no family support)

Would you do it?

Yes

I did...and I ended up not having any more kids.

I got to hear my child's first words, teach them to walk, take them to toddler groups. It was an incredibly special time and I was really glad that I did it

Not doing it doesn't make you a bad parent but being able to do it was such a privilege and joy.

You may want to go back after a while but I would take the once in your baby’s lifetime opportunity if you are able

Yes! 100 percent, and don’t doubt it. What an amazing opportunity.I did it with both my children and although sometimes missed work I realise now how incredibly lucky I was to be able to do this.
enjoy every moment 💕

What a fantastic husband you have. Take the time and enjoy it.

Definitely take the time off as you want to do it and it's on offer. I took the full 5 year career break as a teacher and will be back next year.

You'll never get another offer like this! Go for it

Are you allowed to take on any cover work or private tutoring to earn a little bit during that year? Or ask if you can do one day a week to keep up your NI and pension?

@crew2022 yes I could do the odd day of supply and as much private tutoring as I can get.

One day a week wouldn't be allowed as it doesn't really provide value to the school.

I know it seems daft but having the savings makes me feel secure.

(For scenarios like this for example!)

I would do it- I have done it (for four kids!) The 12-24 months stage is amazing, so much to do with them.

Yes. You don't get time spent with your child back. A year's not a long time to 'tighten your belts'. Time with your child is priceless.

If you can afford it, go for it!

100%. I went back to work soon with my 1st, 2nd I worked two jobs when I finished mat leave and with my 3rd I didn't bother going back to work. My husband can support us ( we also have to tighten belts) but its far less stressful for me and the kids than the childminder route or having to find someone for days childminder couldn't do etc. I've loved being at home for longer with my youngest. I miss work sometimes but I won't ever regret having this time! Do it 🙂

Yes. In a heartbeat. Make those memories as you nurture your little one! If your partner is happy to support you then enjoy every moment!!! Now it feels like a long time but a year will fly by x

I did it and certainly don't regret it. It's surprising how little you can get by on, if you put your mind to it - helps if you live near a library and other facilities though! We were able to do it by not having a car. I've never been fitter or looked better since 😅🤣

This would be my dream. You are v lucky. I would do it in a heartbeat.

She has £75k in savings. Doubt OP needs to scrape by.

I’m currently on my second year off with my little boy. We too have no family support and we couldn’t bare the thought of putting him in nursery - just our opinion, each to their own. And I’m so happy and thankful to have been able to do this. It’s hard and can be lonely now that all my mum friends are back to work but we go to lots of groups and I just love spending all this time with my little bestie. So excited for the summer as he’ll be old enough to do so much fun stuff.
Go for it, you’ll never regret the extra time with your baby

Who exactly ‘couldn’t bear’ the idea of your child going to nursery? You? Your DP/DH? Was he upset enough to have offered to give up his job to become a SAHP, or is it just women whose working lives become strangely expendable after having a child?

@Urcheon I expect she wanted to be the one to do it. As do I.

Can you return part time? I was ready to return back to work after 14months so no way I could of lasted 2 years at home. I only went back 2 days a week though.

Go for it! I had my year off for mat leave and then another 3 months off unpaid. Would have loved to have taken a few more months if I could.

I went back to work full time when DT’s were six months old (normal maternity leave then). Financially didn’t need to work at all. No family in the uk as support. What do you think is so dreadful about nursery than you couldn’t bare it? Does your DH not want to be at home with your DS?

@Hollwithm yes I'm trying to decide between part time or another year off. Definitely not ready for fulltime.

You seem to be taking this comment as a personal criticism. It's absolutely fine for one person to be desperate to get back to work after 6 months and to happily put their child in nursery, and for another person to not want to put their child in nursery and so to give up work to stay with them. Neither approach need be taken as a criticism of the other.