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Return to work anxiety

2 replies

Madmaxxy · 21/04/2022 20:37

DD is almost 10 months and I'll be returning to work in mid August when she'll be 13 months. I absolutely love spending my days with her and August isn't even that close but I'm absolutely filled with dread already. I'm just dreading going back to the cycle of 'working for the weekend'. Missing out on the joyful happy moments with her throughout the day and getting back on the proverbial hamster wheel of wake up, get ready, drop off, work, pick up, dinner, bed. I'm tired just thinking about it. (It's quite a high pressure job that I don't feel confident in which doesn't help)
I'm the higher earner so not going back is not an option, and I have a feeling my request for condensed hours is not going to happen. I know I'm very very lucky to have so long off with her in the first place but please tell me it won't be that bad!! Please tell me your positive return to work experiences?

OP posts:
Mrsmch123 · 21/04/2022 22:16

I feel your pain I'm due back in mid july. I've dropped my hours massively from 42+ to 24. I've asked for two set days a week. I will need to take turns at weekend working which I'm not a fan of but needs must. I felt I just didn't want to be away from him any longer than the 24 hrs. It's shift work so I won't make it back in time for his bath/bed but means I can cram my hours into two days. It's rubbish👎🏻

Flopsy145 · 22/04/2022 22:26

I've just gone back and have luckily been able to drop to 4 days without a salary change and that's been so lovely to have a week day just for us. Is 4 days an option for you to formalise the condensed hours?
I will say, the dread is much worse than the reality. Seeing them enjoy nursery/childcare is so lovely and the days go fast and before you know it you're picking them up again. If you are able to could you do an 8-4 day so you can go to the park or do stuff together before bed time and then do extra hours in evening if you need too?

I remember feeling exactly the same as you, just try put it from your mind if you can and enjoy the rest of your mat leave without letting any dread put a damper on things! ❤️

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