Back to work full time

[Newcornishmama]

Hi

So I after a over a year off work I am now going back full time.

Obviously very apprehensive about it all and the change in routine. DS will spend 3 days in nursurey and 2 days with my mum.

I am looking for advice from anyone that has done this- tips and life hacks to make this as 'easy' as possible, including quick and easy evening meals so I have more time to focus on DS.

Thanks x

Congratulations on your little one,and I hope your return goes really smoothly!

Things that helped me were meal planning, online shopping - if your not doing these now, get into the habit before you go back in.

Depending on finances, order a takeaway when your feeling knackered,first two weeks were the most draining I found and then you get into the swing of things.

Get your partner on board with cleaning/life admin/family birthday's/organising holidays etc

I personally found hiring a cleaner far cheaper than divorce!

I would also say whatever causes most arguments or disruption now, will be magnified, so whether it's sleep or feeding - worth putting a strategy in place.

Going back to work is ace though, I still remember drinking my first HOT cup of tea, and going to the toilet without company!

This is exactly what I did after my first maternity leave. 3 nursery days and 2 family ones.

Before you go back work out pick ups and drop offs with your partner. We alternated so if one dropped the other picked up. It allowed us both to have a bit more flex at work.

We hired a cleaner. I'd do the weekly shop one evening in the week so we could keep weekends clear for family time.

Expect illness in the first few months. Again we agreed to alternate who took days off to be with our son of ill.

With both working full time you have to share the load as much as you can.

Thanks Ladies.

I don't currently online shop so will look into that.

I'm liking the idea of a cleaner too.

My experience with online shopping hasn't been great. I find you tend to get stuff with short sell by dates, you miss a vital ingredient for your meal plan or they substitute a dairy free item for a dairy item 🤦‍♀️

I also invested in a slow cooker - best thing ever! Put it on early in the morning and dinner is ready when you get home

Definitely a cleaner, and meal planning. All morning stuff sorted the night before- lunches/ clothes/ bags packed for wherever baby is going etc.

Biggest thing is making sure the load is shared between you and your DP (assuming you have one).

I found working less exhausting than being home with small children though. Best thing is if you are actually ill, you get to take the day off work and still send them to nursery, instead of battling away at home with a child too.

Meet up with baby friends still - if weekends don’t work well then take the odd day or half day off to meet up.

And don’t ever feel guilty about something that a man wouldn’t be expected to feel guilty about!

Great replies, really helpful thank you.

I've already had one woman ask me whether I 'feel bad' for going back to work full time so I guess it has knocked my confidence:/

Totally agree with meal planning as a cleaner. I try to bulk cook so do double amounts of spaghetti Bol of whatever to freeze another meal for when I want something very quick and easy.

Oh good god, whoever asked a MAN if they ‘felt bad’ about working full time when they have children!!!

@Thneedville I know right!

Great thread, I'm in the same situation so looking for tips too!

Agree with PPs
My cleaner is amazing, it’s great getting in from work on a Monday and the house is spotless and smells so clean! Big online shop every 2 weeks then just an afterwork pop in to the supermarket for a top up if needed. Batch cooking and slow cooker are your friend. Have a really clear plan with DH about pick up/drop off and your own time e.g I like to go to the gym/swim early so he did drop off 3 morning so I could go to gym/swim and the nights I did pick up he could do his gym sessions after work those nights.
People would never ask a man if he felt guilty going back full time after his paternity leave it’s 2020 many women want to have a career and you absolutely can do both but it’s bloody hard work so be easy on yourself-the odd take away/ready meal does no harm and it’s ok to leave the mess put your feet up with the tele and a glass of wine at the end of a long week! It may also be possible (dependant on your job) to negotiate some flex when you are settled back such compressed working so maybe a 9 day fortnight or 4.5 day week it means slightly longer days but gave a day a fortnight when I could organise days out mum friends meet ups etc. Good luck