Feeling torn – work piling up + baby needs me, what next?

[babyboy520]

Work just keeps piling on and honestly I’m close to breaking point. My little one is at that stage where they need me constantly — can’t even nip out of the room. I feel absolutely drained, like I’m doing a bad job at both work and motherhood.
I’ve started thinking about whether leaving my job might actually be the better option, but the money side really worries me. Has anyone managed to find something more flexible or steady after stepping away from an office job? Things like part-time, freelance, or working from home?
I’d really love to hear from anyone who’s been through this — what worked for you, and did it help make life feel more manageable?
Feeling a bit stuck and would appreciate any advice.

Are you trying to WFH with a baby?

Are you on the wrong board? Get Mumsnet to move it for you.

Can you ask your current employer about reducing your hours or moving to a different role?

If you’re working from home with a small child then neither will be done well - it’s an impossible task. Do you have access to childcare so you can focus on your work tasks at work and then on your child outside of work?

You can't work and have a baby/toddler at home at the same time. Child needs to be in proper childcare. I'm very surprised your employer/manager hasn't picked you up on this.

My kids are 9 and 12 and it's been the first summer we've attempted working while they've been home/entertaining themselves and I still found it difficult at times that I needed to really concentrate.

You can’t work and look after a baby at the same time. It’s dangerous for baby. You need to find childcare.

You need to pay for childcare whilst you are at work.

It’s definitely a challenge, but getting that childcare sorted can make life so much easier.

I absolutely love my baby, and if I could, I’d be with her all the time. But I also know that providing the best possible living conditions for her is important for her growth and development. I think the best thing for both of us right now is finding a good nursery to help with that balance. It’ll give me the space to focus on work and also ensure she gets the care and socialisation she needs. It's a tough decision, but I know it’s the right one for us.

You’re totally right, it’s impossible to focus on two things at once. I’m realising I need to make a choice and figure out what’s best for both me and my little one. It’s a tough call, but I know I can’t keep trying to do everything at once.

Is chatgpt helping you

Weird post

At what point did you think trying to work at the same time as looking after a small human was an ok thing to do? Do you have a partner that shares the load?

Are you trying to sell us something, OP? This is a very weird post.