End of maternity leave looms large

[Littlepaleale]

I'm after a little advice from those who have been there...

Maternity leave ends next month and I will go back full time. DD will be 9mo and we have a place at nursery for her. I've accrued some holiday at work and have some choice about how to use this (I think!!!! Meeting with my boss next week).

I could either take it all in one block and go back to work a month later or, use it gradually, taking a couple of days a week and work part time for a couple of months. That way I could work up to being full time gradually.

I'm feeling horrible about leaving DD - does anyone not??? - and would like to do things the kindest way for both of us.

Would love to hear you experiences and views on pros and cons.

Thanks in advance!

Work up to part time, and make sure you leave yourself plenty of holiday to take when your dd is ill

I'd go for the part time option - that way she'll get to nearly a year before you do full time?

I applied for flexible working and went back permanently 3 days a week with DS. It was nice to have those 2 days a week (Thursday and Friday) to spend with him, and I took him to baby groups/met up with other mums/etc on those days.

The feeling awful sounds familiar. Nursery was fine though and DS although he didn't love it was happy enough with it. He did lots of fun things there. Around 15-18 months it got easier definitely. He's now 3.3 and has grown into a very sociable, happy little boy.

HTH

I'd got for part-time - even that was a shock for me, but it did get easier.

Hadn't thought of the inevitable illness - thanks!

x-posts sorry strikeup and downy. Thanks for your advice!