Career after baby number 2

[Emmya]

Hi, I have a 2 year old boy but we are trying for baby number two. My concern is my career - I am a college tutor, and have always been very career-focused. Now of course, my priority is my family but I feel a bit unsettled with knowing my career will be on hold again for a while once I get pregnant. Im only 29, but already aren't exactly where I wanted to be by now!

Has anyone been in a similar position to this? How was it when you returned to work after baby number 2? My plan is to return to work and start looking for a better paid role by then as I am massively underpaid right now. Although I cannot wait to have another baby it's pretty daunting knowing that career stuff has to fall by the way side again for a while!! Any experience / advice / reassurance is welcome!

Don’t have a second one yet, but could see you hadn’t had a reply so far.

My DD is 2.5. I’m a teacher, which is a child-friendly profession and that has given me the flexibility to go part time quite easily. However I was previously very career focussed and I find it difficult that I don’t have the time to give to my job as before, and also that I know I’m no longer the sort of person that might be considered for promotions.

It upsets me. I’m trying not to think about it too much as it’s something most people don’t feel comfortable talking about.

My thinking is that I will probably stay at my current school until any further DC I have are school age. Then I think I should look for another post that I can do full time. In a new post I can build up a new reputation and will hopefully be able to return to having decent career progression. Is that a possibility for you?

Could you start looking for a better role/promotion now, before you get pregnant?

Crazychemist thanks for your reply! It's rubbish that you struggle a bit with this too but reassuring that I aren't the only one! Your plan sounds great, I'm sure you will get there
Adeo- I've applied for some and been for interviews but I'm concerned that I won't be entitled to maternity, or at the very least won't set myself in good stead in a new role. We are actively trying and hoping to get pregnant soon so I feel it would be unfair and unprofessional to take on a new role. Thankyou though, it's a great idea I'm just uncomfortable with the uncertainty of it!