Post-mat leave sadness

[CatsAreCoolOK]

Pretty much as the title says!

I returned to work in August/September after having almost a year off and honestly finding it so sad. I am a teacher and I’m absolutely distraught at the fact that I’m spending more hours a day with other peoples kids than my own.

I would do anything to be part time, and could afford to, however I live in a country that doesn’t support part time work. I only got 45 days full pay mat leave for gods sake (including weekends)!

Anyway just looking for some advice. How can I feel better about this because honestly I’m feeling so negative Nancy, which is not me at all? My school is lovely, I do like my job and colleagues, but I feel like my heart isn’t in it at all. Counting down the days until half term (Half a day left!)

I think the only way to come to terms with it is accept that that’s just the way it is and you were incredibly lucky to have a year off as many women don’t get that

it’s normal to have feelings of our hearts not being in careers once you’ve had kids - and that feeling does go away eventually

I live abroad and only got 6 months mat leave, unpaid (the first 14 days were paid actually). Most women only get 12 weeks here. I wish I had had the baby in the UK, leaving him to go to work was the worst thing I've ever done.

I come to terms with it by saving money and telling myself it's for his future.