Making the most of maternity leave - what did you do?

[Sunnybear]

First post on MN.... Am 22 wks pg with DD2 and just beginning to think about my maternity leave. Think I'll have some big decisions about my job while I'm on mat leave (as my job in public sector may go) so wondering whether I should use some of my leave to think about my future career / life plan, etc. Is it just bonkers to think about such things on mat leave or have others made good use of their time off to think about a new direction for their career / done extra training/new qualifications, etc?

I've got a well paying job (£50+K) in the public sector and am sole earner so what I do in future is important for family.

Your experience of interesting things you've done on maternity leave to think about what you wanted from your future career would be much appreciated.

I was all prepared to be a voice of doom, but it's not your first DC so you'll already have a reasonable idea of what might not be achievable!

And welcome :)

I want to know what you do in the Public Sector that earns 50k - lucky you!

I had grand plans the first time round, was going to transform the garden while my baby chuckled in the sun (rained the whole summer), was going to read lots of books (heat magazine), was going to write a book (!!!), learn how to bake, finally sort all my paperwork, get fit, go to the gym, make lots of new mummy friends.

Ha.

I did a bit in the garden and watched a lot of TV. I was really lonely, I had no friends in the same boat and am crap at making friends (although have done a bit better this time). I could not wait to get back to work. I hated having no spare money.

I do think it is a good time to reflect, but I don't think you will have time to do more training. I think if you have been used to lots of adult company and a challenging job then you will find it very, very strange being at home all day.

I did an evening course in BSL with myy second maternity leave. It helped keep my sanity. I don't need BSL for work, but it helps.

First maternity leave was just a blur of coping with a newborn and struggling to adapt to the change of me being just me to being me plus one (DH was in the forces and away).
Second (last year) was bliss. I loved spending time with both DC and when DD was at school I went to various baby classes/out for coffee/shopping and savoured every single minute as I knew it's probably be the last time i was with DC without work complicating things.

I think it depends on how you feel at the time and your individual circumstances. If you've lots of support and there's the opportunity to do training which will benefit you.

How long are you taking? Do you have a good maternity leave package?
(and I work in the public sector, and while I personally don't earn £50, there are plenty of people in my department who do).

There are a huge amount of variables as to whether you'd have time to study for extra qualifications etc - you might have a baby who loves sleep and find you have several hours a day, but on the other hand you might have a velcro baby who will never be put down :)

Thanks all. First mat leave was over 5 years ago so think I've forgotten how absorbing a new baby is :)