Going back to work in FE , will it be easier than been at home with dd?

[eyemaskandearplugs]

Hi, I've been on maternity leave since the start of the academic year and I'm going back to work in FE in a few weeks. I'm going back three days per week. I'm a Lecturer, most of the students are 16 - 19. I was just wondering if anyone has been in a similar position and how you found going back to work. Was it easier than your days at home with your little one?

I work 3 days a week and once I got organised have found it no problem. Some days like today when the sun is shining I wish I was at home and some times on my days off when ds is being cruel to his sis I wish I was at work!

The main problem I have is from mums who dont work aand the disapproving looks - although one who gave me a hard time when I went back after my 1st is now working full time so I've learnt not to take any notice of them.

I went back when you did and found it fine. Especially that at this time of year all the students are off on study leave and its the 'easy time' of year!

I work three days and love it, I would prefer to only work 2, but when you consider the holidays we get, it is little more than an average of two and a bit anyway! I like the fact that I do two days, think 'yes, I've got two days at home tomorrow', then I do fridays and then it is the weekend! Breaks it up nicely.

Like sunshine, the only stress comes from those who think you should be a SAHM. But personally, I feel that I have the best of all worlds (for me!)

Good luck and enjoy being back in the classroom - don't feel guilty, its okay to want some 'me time'!

I am an FE lecturer - only work one day per week and can honestly say that compared to being at home with dd, work is a breeze! Being able to sit down and have lunch, go to the toilet without having someone grabbing my ankles, being able to walk around freely, unencumbered by requests to dance/play in garden etc... I feel it keeps me sane, and look forward to my one day a week to get dressed properly, without having food spattered all over me, wear make-up, speak to adults and generally feel like a grown-up again. I do love being at home with dd, but it is so intense and wearing, that it really does do me good to have a break, only in my case a break is a day at work, teaching 16-19 year olds! They are all on study leave now, so looking forward to a lovely long hot Summer! Good luck when you go back!

Thanks for all of your replies, I appreciate it. I'm looking forward to going back to work, especially as the lovely students will be leaving for summer in a few weeks any way and I can have the summer to get used to work again.

Thanks