Pep talk needed!

[ash1971]

I'm on mat leave with dd3 and I'm not returning to work (f/t) until the end of March, but cannot stop thinking about it. I need a good shake and some tips on how to put it to the back of my mind - rather than waste my maternity leave dwelling on it.

The idea that you are preoccupied with work may suggest that you crave mental stimulation. Provided that you feel your position is safe and you left with all tasks complete. Barring of course the idea that you have anxiety.
Perhaps you need to take a little time to engage your brain in tasks that are similar to the same problem solving you had at work?

Are you preoccupied with work because something in particular is worrying you about going back? If so, is it something you could address to avoid it marring the rest of your maternity leave? Have you done any KIT days, and would they help you to 'reconnect' with work and worry a bit less about the prospect of returning?

I think you both have something: I teach, and am so used to the job never being finished that, maybe, I'm just no good at just relaxing (you're also on the right track when you mention anxiety). I am completely ? at how I'll manage the workload this time alongside keeping up with the older dds' school 'stuff' and with a velcro-baby to keep happy. I'm the 'breadwinner', plus school have made it clear that my position cannot be reduced to part-time, so f/t it is. I've been back a couple of times and each time it reminds me how much I enjoy being there and get on with my colleagues, etc, so maybe I do need to check in every so often. Thanks for your replies.

Would it be insane to do a work-related project on mat leave for your own sake - i.e. don't tell the school? e.g. set up a new run of worksheets or lesson plans on a particular topic you've always wanted to get the kids to focus on better?

I'm a bit like you and on mat leave with ds4. He was a surprise baby and I've found it hard to get my head round another mat leave when I was enjoying work. When I'm feeling anxious about it I just try an remember that this is a special time that I'll never get back - it's only 6 months this time for me. I have the next 30+ years of my life to work but I will never get this opportunity again.

I am absolutely LOVING this being at home lark, and not having any deadlines lurking so I'm trying extra hard to enjoy and savour this time 'off'. I'm also remembering to buy Lottery tickets!! I mean to get some worky-reading done, but so far . . . . .

I'm in a mind-set, at the mo, that recognises that going back f/t is a fact of life, there's no escaping it so I need to just (HATE this phrase) 'suck it up' and get on with it.

What I'd love is to be in the position where I could choose.