Going back full time

[Aliceandthemarchhare]

We moved while I was pregnant so I had to get a new job. I’m actually quite proud that I got the application process and interview when baby ds was only 2 months!

But it’s a full time position. If I was returning to a post I’d have asked for flexible hours but this isn’t an option.

Is anyone else or did anyone else return from maternity leave full time and how did you find it? I like my work and I would miss it if I didn’t do it but I will miss ds a lot!

Congrats on the new job! Well done! And congrats on new baby!

Went back full time with my first two. It was hard, but good to keep my career on track, so no regrets. They loved nursery, but I found the logistics difficult. I also worried I would miss all the firsts - first words, first steps, but they saved them all for me!

Can you wfh at all? If you can, this may help. Also try to maintain work life balance. Avoid working late and just acknowledge that your career progression is on hold for now. Don’t push for promotion too hard. Settle in and get used to the new routine.

I found I really missed them and probably made more of an effort when I was around to compensate. Lots of adventures, stories and cuddles.

I’ve now gone pt and very happy, so maybe when the opportunity arises go for it if you want. I’ve got no regrets though. Mine thrived at nursery.

I won’t be looking for any promotions - funnily enough am on another thread where that’s a topic - but yes going to keep things simple as much as possible.

Ds will be eight and a half months when I go back and I’m hoping he’ll settle well at nursery.

My main worry is feeling like death at work after a disturbed night!

I’m not going to lie - you might have a few bad nights here and there, but at 8mth you should find he’s sleeping much better.

The worst is when they are poorly. Long nights of looking after baby is hard whether you work or not, so keep spare holidays to cover sickness from time to time. I always count on needing 2 or 3 days off a year, as they can’t go into nursery if they are poorly.

How old is he now? Is he in a good routine?

My ds3 is 11mth and wakes once. Has been like that for a while, so it’s really not that bad!

Co-sleeping has helped massively. If he wakes, he comes in with me so we can all sleep. Do you have a partner to help out from time to time? Otherwise, just make sure you get some early nights. This will help too if ds isn’t sleeping well.

I find my energy levels are much higher when I’m working, as staying at home is exhausting! Hats off to SAHP!

Don’t stress too much. You’ll be fine!

I went back full time when mine was six months old. I did really miss her and wish I'd had a few more months but now she's older I'm really glad I kept my career on track.