Don't know what to do

[mummylawyer]

New to MN but have been reading through old work-related threads with interest. I'm really unsure what to do re work & thought I'd set out my options here & seek guidance/opinions from fellow MNetters! I have a 5 month DD & absolutely adore being at home with her. I'm on mat leave & due to go back to large law firm in coming months. I hope to do 3 (but I expect they may insist on 4 - mtg due soon to discuss) full days. The commute is approx 1hr 15 door to door, the hours will be long & stress levels high. I loved my job pre-DD but it takes over & now my priorities have all changed. My DH is also a lawyer - long hours & very stressed. He's very supportive of me & will support whatever I decide to do. I fully appreciate that I'm in a very fortunate position in that my DH can fully financially support the family if required. My options:

Go back to law firm thereby maintaining my profession, earning a good salary & keeping open the option of rising up the ladder.

Take the plunge and set up my business (don't want to say anymore than that at this stage). Could all fail etc but it could allow me to work flexibly & at home.

Will I miss being a lawyer or am I just looking back with rose-tinted glasses? Apologise if this post is too long (& boring) but would love to hear from others on this subject. Thanks!

You have more choices than you realise as you can always make changes over time. Personally, I think it's easier in many ways to go back to your current job after maternity leave as you know your work and colleagues. Don't be surprised if part-time doesn't really work out, but then you can choose e.g. another baby, another job at a smaller firm, your own business, PSL or in-house etc.

If you would like another baby, it's quite normal to go back to work and then make more of a life/career-changing decision after the next maternity leave.

Thanks - I had been thinking maybe it's a good idea to go back in the interim & see how things work out. See if part- time actually works or if the reality is full-time but on half the salary! PSL might be quite a good option later on. Part of me does want to set up on my own (non legal but using my skills) but again I guess I could do that later - see how part-time goes first! It's always interesting hearing what others think/ have done themselves.

Id take your full 52 weeks leave then go back as many days as you can. Is there a way for you to negotiate shorter days, for less pay? Could you move closer to lessen the commute?

What childcare have you lined up? It is v difficult to get ccare outwith m-f 8-6. If

You would need more than this the costs may be prohibitive.

If you intend to have more dcs you should think about how this would effect plans.

Are there other mums in your officen might be an idea to talk to them about how the firm treated them post mat leave. Some firms are hostile to working mums so you might not have much of a job to go back to at all, worst case scenario.

mummylawyer - if you can get to work 3 days, I would go back and see how it goes. 3 days is always going to be a compromise, imo, not really something I'd want to do very long term, but while the children are very small it is ideal.

Once you feel your family is complete, and your children are at school, imo that would be the ideal time to either start your own business or go back to your full blown full time career.

I know a lot of people do it, but it is very hard to try and set up your own business with toddlers running around causing havoc all over the place. I think once things are back to some sort of routine then you will have more space/time to think about it.

Only my personal opinion of course, having had the same dilemma for a few years!!!!