Going back to work - what to look forward to

[crumpetsolo]

I am trying to get excited about going back to work after 2 years off looking after DS and DD. I am looking forward to using my brain again (if it still works) but there are little things as well - wearing something smart and not being covered in dribble (hopefully), drinking tea undisturbed and going out for a walk at lunchtime.

What little things do you enjoy about work, or are you looking forward to?

Adult conversation that has absolutely NOTHING to do with children/babies/kids etc.

The quiet, the peace in my head.

The doing stuff for just me through out the working day, having a cup of tea and finishing it while its hot.

Lots of things, little things, but best thing of all is....

Getting home after being away from kids, that cussle and seeing thier little faces light up when you pick them up or walk in, now that is lush

cuddle, sorry cuddle, not cussle!

For me, in the short-term, there are not too many positives. Sorry, but am a bit jaded already about the whole working thing after only being back a few weeks.

At the moment childcare is eating up most of my pay, I get home later so dinner is later, even doing the minimum household stuff means I don't get to sit down till really late. I am tired, the house is a mess... I miss seeing other parents at the school gates.

But in the long-term, childcare costs will decrease, I hope to get a better job once I have some experience & maybe even delegate the housework to a cleaner!

All the things you mention. I couldn't wait to get back to work. And then when I am at work, my time is my own. as you say to just sit and have a cup of tea. and then i pick them up, cuddles and milk before bed. and then i have ds2 at home with me on mondays and fridays. works well.

I start tomorrow (part time project thing) and am a bit nervous! I hope I haven't forgotten it all.

But mostly I am really looking forward to the first pay date into my account.

And having a nanny to do some of the childcare as my parents aren't in this country and I am looking forward to a break from the intensity of it. (ds2 is a very attached type of toddler!)

When I first went back to work....I love the fact I could take a bag with only my things in it!
Good luck tomorrow hope it goes well

Not feeling guilty about buying yourself a little treat from your wage - I bought some earrings today - only little but lovely!

Sitting down for more than 2 minutes

Being able to nip to the shops at lunchtime (if you're close) without folding and unfolding a buggy several times!

Feeling properly like "you" again ... feels bad to think it but sometimes you need to remember who you were before you had dc

I have been back for nearly 2 months now, for 3 days a week. I appreciate time with my dd sooo much more now so thats definitely one!

good luck!

Carrying a proper handbag again, drinking my coffe whilst it is still hot, wearing clothes that aren't very mummy friendly, having some peace to make phone calls if I really need to, being able to do some clothes/gift shopping at lunchtime, and feeling like I ahve a little of myself back.

But I most look forward to going home afterwards and being greeted with a cuddle from my DS who wants his mummy all to himself. We watch something on CBeebies, then have a bath together before reading and then he goes to bed. That's the best 90 minutes of my day.

I work 3 days a week btw. Went back to work 2 years ago when DS had just turned one.