To work or not to work

[frizzcat]

I have a great job it's part time, interesting and scope for development. I'm on maternity and due back to work next month. I contacted them to say I was resigning and they have asked me to take more time to think about .... As they would really like me back and ate willing to be flexible with home working days and working hrs.
Ds is 7 with a dx ASD and I can't deny that he is much improved with me at home (I am not in any way suggesting that this is the answer to all just me).
Just wanted to know what do you lot think as I don't know what to do for the best ....how have you lot found going back to work? And the impact on dc? Especially as I actually don't have to work - which is pretty rare these days and not everyone gets to do it

I am lucky enough to be able to work just around the corner from Dd3's school.

If you return to work will your DS have to go to childcare before and after school.

I am able to take and fetch Dd3. My pay is rubbish but I do enjoy my job and it works for us.

I have child care sorted - a child minder I have known for years and has lots of experience with asd - dd and ds know her well

I work 2.5 days, flexi time and I can swap days around to meet appointments etc. Have to say I enjoy the break from DS, escaping from autism world for a while, and the social aspect of work as I was feeling quite isolated at home (DS would not go to anything as a pre schooler so I was stuck on my own alot). I actually consider work a rest and therapeutic! I like the balance. I like going shopping on my own at lunchtime....

If you can agree hours that fit in I would perhaps give it a go esp if you work from home school hours. You can also ask for parental leave if eg you wanted to take some unpaid extra time off.

Have just given up work after 22 years as a retail manager. I went back in Sept after maternity leave but I only lasted 2 weeks DD who is 5 had just started P1 and the phonecalls to work about her behaviour etc started almost immediately, I was unable to focus on work was just beside myself with worry. I went off with stress and whilst off my company was bought over and voluntary redundancy put in place, this is definitely the best scenario for me as I will not feel like I have missed out on anything by leaving now and I won't miss it as it is a new company. My DD has lots of issues at school and I need to spend a lot of time on homework with her have also started a healthy eating diet for her which takes time so I absolutely would not be able to work and do all of that I would be shattered. I am also enjoying being with my DS who is almost 1 such a different baby from DD and a pleasure to be with DD was a total nightmare and I couldn't get back to work quick enough. (I hope that doesn't sound really mean I now realise that there was something wrong )
If you are enjoying being at home with your DD and DS and don't need the money then you should be with them if you feel you need adult company and need a break keep the work on it sounds as if they are very understanding about your hours etc which is brilliant.

Good luck whatever you decide.

similar experience to agnes. I only do part time as well. I have DD1 (3.11, autism) and a DD2 (12 months). my mat leave for DD2 finished a couple of months ago and I have to say I never enjoyed work that much. it gives me a break from the girls, from DD's autism. I can be choc instead of mummy. The hours at work are relaxing compared to what I deal with at home. I also enjoy the social aspect of work. I started to get really isolated during mat leave.

your work seems to really value you and appears to be very supportive and flexible. I think I would at least give it a go for a couple of months. If it does not work, you still can resign.

I'm no closer to a decision - I'm hoping it will come to me in a flash of inspiration!