Going back to work and feeling bad....

[fifitot]

DD is already at school and now DS who is 7m will be starting nursery in 3 weeks time when I return to work.

I sooooooooo don't want to return but financially can't see another way. I have shifted my hours around to try and compromise on childcare so that DD can have me take her to school every day rather than have daily wraparound care but the downside to this is that poor baby DS is in fulltime nursery form about 9-5! I know that isn't great for such a little one.

The only other thing I can maybe do is drop some hours so can just work 4 days pw so at least would have a day to be mummy with him. I did this with DD until she was 3 and feel am going to miss out on so much with LO.
Trouble is work probably won't let me at the mmoment.

I knew this day was coming but feel so bad. I am sure he'll be fine and we'll get used to it but I feel like the worst mum in the world. I live in a very family friendly area and seeing all the SAHMs and their babies around reminds me even more of what I am missing out on.

I am just sounding off.....It's normal to feel like this isn't it? :(

My DS aged 7 months is also starting nursery in three weeks. I'm going back fron 9am to 3pm every day. I too feel terrible esp as we can afford for me not to go back to work but I am greedy and want a bigger house. I'm also very wary of giving up my job in case DH and I ever split up. I have no reason to think we will but am a born pessimist realist.

As long as you have chosen a good nursery, you should not feel bad about your decision. Your boy will have lots of fun and social interaction there and you will no doubt work really hard on having quality time in the evening, at weekends and on holidays.

Hope it all goes well and enjoy your last three weeks off. If you find it really tough, you can always drop more hours so you are not stuck with your decision.

Thanks for reply. I will work towards reduced hours I think. Daren't take that approach now though as jobs hard to come by at my place at moment and might never get the hours back!

Thanks annie - how did you find your nannyshare?

Don't feel bad. Within 3 months, everything will just feel normal and everyone will adjust to the new routine.

I feel for you!

I am due back in april, my lo is 6 mths old. I am looking forward to going back but so wish i could afford part time hrs..

I too live in an area with lots of sahm's and do feel guilty. lo will be staying with family but its still really hard.

I am considering putting in a request for 4 day week, working 8.30-17.15 but not sure if this will be agreed as its under my current 37 hrs and doesnt leave enough hrs to get cover in.
:?(

FItfot I thought I would share my experience.

I did not return to work. Now I am trying to find work as we need the money. I nearly wish now I had returned to the role I had. Now I get up every day and look for work and it is a FT role.

My baby has adjusted to the routine of childcare very well,
as I look for work on a FT basis.

Think about the long term impact. You are earning and providing for your family. That is a really important role. You are still the most important person in the world for your lo. Think long term too. How the work you can do now can ensure that your lo can go to University, that you have a pension. Think of holidays you may be able to go on in the future.

I am looking for work. I hope I will get something. It will have to be FT. I really hope that I get into the workforce soon.

Please do enjoy your last few days off.