To feel so guilty sending 15 month old 3 days a week to nursery?

[Saladleaf]

I am currently SAHM to DS and have had a job offer for 3 days per week when he will be 15 months. We have found a nice and not full nursery nearby.

I'm struggling a lot with guilt at the idea of him going 3 days per week for 9 or even 10 hours a day. It feels so long, and I feel so anxious that he is too young to be in nursery for this many days. Me working means we will be able to afford to buy a house and move closer to my family and he will then be able to only do 2 days at nursery and one with my DM. I don't really enjoy the monotony of being a SAHM currently and find it very hard having no break. I want to go back to work part time as it will give me a balance of feeling like my old self and being a mum, but I just feel so selfish and awful for sending him to nursery where I know he will be upset. He is attached to me and doesn't like strangers, he cries when someone he doesn't know speaks or touches him and reaches for me. I've looked at childminders in my area and I don't feel comfortable with any of them, for various reasons. We can't afford a nanny, it would take every penny I earn.

I'm hoping for some positive stories here or thoughts. Everything I see online says that nursery under 2.5 / 3 is not positive for a baby and I worry 3 full days a week is far too much. I feel like a terrible mum and so guilty every time I look at him :(

OP guilt is a pointless emotion honestly. It’s fine to sort of regret going back to work but many of us have to. Don’t feel guilty please.

As a lone parent for many years I had to go back full time when DD was 4 months old. So feel pleased you got to spend time with DC and reframe it that you are providing for your family and setting a good example/work ethic for the DC

It'll be fine! Where I am most babies start at 3-6 months, and we consistently rank in the top 3 for happiest children. They learn new things from the other kids (even if just to crawl faster or shout louder). You having more money and a bit of time to yourself will probably make you less stressed and a better parent. You're still with them the majority of the time. Step away from google, it tells you everything you do a a parent is wrong.

Take the job. DC will be fine. It will be better in the long term for your family, for you and for society. We all feel guilty going back to work. Those of us who managed to deal with the guilt and gone for it anyway have raised great children, built their careers, provided for our families, built security in case of divorce and have been excellent role models for our children and younger women in our workplaces.