Handing in notice after maternity leave <wibble>

[GwendolineScaryLacey]

Been at my current place for 13 years, coming to the end of second maternity leave.

I adore the place I work at, the building, what it does etc. I used to love my job and the people I worked with. Two years ago it all changed, different people, different structure, different job, different manager so I grew to hate it.

Now, having spent the last 6 months going over the figures, logistics etc, I have finally admitted that going back won't work. But I can't bring myself to write that letter. I know it's the right decision but I'm wibbling. I need to let go of what it was because it's not like that anymore.

It's a big decision, giving up work for the children, isn't it? :(

Could you ask for part time to keep your hand in if your not quite sure?

Nothing to lose if they say no, leave. If they say yes when the DCstart school your hand is still in.

Peek in through the bedroom door at them sleeping, they are the important things in life, everything else will just have to fall into place.

Done all that, was part time in between dcs. I know it's the right thing to do. I just want them to say that I can come back in 5 years! (have already investigated the career break option!).

I'm just waffling really. And feel a bit like I'm giving up on my life, even though my life is kicking me in the back whilst watching Peppa Pig and crawling on the floor eating very small things :)

Hi! My situation is similar to yours and I am also finding it really hard to make a decision. Was f/t before dc1 and then p/t before dc2 and on mat leave til April next year (taking a year). I have always worked and feel a bit anxious about being a SAHM. I do like the idea of being at home as dc1 will start school next sept and I will be able to support her and do things with dc2. Like you I wouldn't relish going back to my job cos of management changes etc and the place isn't the same as it was. DH is quite keen for me to go back though.
Have you made your decision yet? What does your DP think about it?

Hi Jetstar. Still wibbling although I've now handed in my notice and today I received the letter from work with the leaving date, accrued leave etc. And goodbye, good luck, see you around. 13 years and that's it :(

DH is in favour, although money will be extremely tight. We're giving it till after Christmas and then if need's be I'm back on the job market but local this time. Part of the problem with my (ex) job is it was in London, long commute, long hours.

Hard isn't it? You've got more time at least but I spent the last 6 months of my leave stewing over it.

Blimey do you work with me?

I am 31 W with DS2, currently signed of and likely to stay that way until ML starts (or rather until my hol before ML starts) in the last year the whole Culture of the place, as well as a great many staff, has changed, its now a horrible place to wrk and Im having to face up to the fact that I wont be going back. In my head I know its right but its also daunting!

It is really hard and I am already stewing about it. My current idea is to put it out of my head until after Christmas and enjoy the time I have with my daughters. I know that sooner rather than later there will be pressure from my boss for a decision. I think that legally I only have to give 21 days notice but they won't be happy with that.
It's not a lovely goodbye process is it? Bet they haven't missed us while we've been gone and will soon forget we were ever there! That's life I suppose. No one is indispensable!
Back in the good old days we used to joke about leaving our jobs when it felt really stressful and going to work in Tesco - suppose I could always do that

Hi,

My situation is exactly the same, I work for a big american firm where i went back pt after dd1 and am now due to go back after dd2. I've really enjoyed the past year with both dd and am not keen to go back to my role which is a ft role in pt hours with little career progression due to pt hours... I guess mums cant have it all..I going to discuss career progression with my boss in a kit day and if we cant make it work for both parties consider a career break!...big decision for someone who is quite ambitious and career focused!!!...anyone else had to make a similar decision??

yep...I was teaching for 13 years, totally loved it and moving on up the ladder happily and stopped 3 years ago to have my children. I still find myself trawling the net looking at the jobs market to check there are some despite not looking to go back for 2/3 years and constantly worry about if I have done the right thing. Will I get back into the profession? Have I wrecked my career for good etc etc? However, I speak to friends still teaching and juggling young families and they have other stresses and worries. They envy me in part and I envy them- grass is greener I guess! I just hope that if I am good enough, I will get a post when the time comes and I keep "in" with my old school/friends etc ...because I like them but also to keep up with current issues etc. My Peppa Pig time etc is a bit groundhog day but also a magical time I will look back on fondly I hope even if some days I am not very fond of at all!