Should I go back to work 4 days?

[Ilovesweets123]

am currently on maternity with my second daughter. She is 5 weeks old and my first daughter is 17 months old, so very early days with two.
I am a teacher and when I had my daughter I went back to work three days a week. I am considering going back to work four days rather than three, but don't know if I will regret it as it is difficult to reduce my hours again.
Reasons for going back 4 days:

• more money (not a huge amount as both daughters will be in nursery)
• I feel it will be better for my mental health as I will have a bit of the old me back
• I feel like they will benefit as I don't feel like I am a 'good' mum. I do play with them and read a lot with my daughter, but feel like they will learn more at nursery.
• on my days off I will want to go to clubs like messy play etc. Which costs money
• throughout the year I get 12 weeks off anyway, and can leave school at 3:30 almost every day so can have a good few hours before they go to sleep. Also, I don't work any weekend so will be with them then.
• I love love love my girls, but it is such hard work to entertain them all the time

Reasons against :

• they are only little once and I might regret not spending more time with them
• not much more money
• more lessons to plan at home and more marking

Any opinions? Also, I know I am very lucky to be able to go back part time, I know there will be many out there who have to go back to work full time. This isn't meant to offend anyone!!

Your pros far outweigh the cons. Go back to work. I always worked part time and I did horrendous hours until my elders was 2. He doesn't remember any of it. But I feel so lucky to have spend loads of time with my kids which my husband missed out on

I do 4 days a week (not a teacher). It's the best of both worlds.

Thank you both for your replies! I feel guilty that in a way would be choosing work over them... Even though I know it is not the case. Such a tough decision

It s not a big deal. You will be there with them more than not.
They wont notice the extra day.
What about their dad? Is he feeling guilty for working?

@embracelife thank you for your reply.
I guess I just think I should be the main one looking after them as I am the woman... Very old fashioned I know.
He is a teacher too, but earns more than me as he has been a teacher for longer. He would prefer me to stay home three days so I can be with the kids more and have less school work to do at home as he brings home a lot.

Honestly while they small they wont notice or mind so long as they have good care.
You there from 3 30.
Do what works for you.

Definitely go back to work. I worked from when my two were small, (until they were adults) . I'm so glad l did, it was good for the children too. I didn't get much income from doing it while paying their nursery fees etc but in the long run it was great and l enjoyed it

4 days term time only sounds like a good option.

Are you still with your daughters father and if so, how many days a week does he work ?

I see he is keen for the girls to be home more, so perhaps he could go to 4 days as well and have them more.

If you are separated then this might affect your child support.

My only advice as an ex teacher is that if you are planning on leaving work at 330 then you will struggle to get everything done that four days a week will need and will end up doing more work on your day off . I left as I found I was prioritising leaving as soon as I could to get home to the kids and it meant I wasn't doing enough at work and made work more stressful as I was clock watching and getting behind and trying to work in the evenings and weekends when I was tired and wanting to be with the babies . I'd be tempted to do three days when you really focus on work for those three days and then can switch off (a bit!) on the other two days .