Back to work decision - advice

[delilah88]

Hello,
I am trying to decide what to do about returning to work. We have some decisions in place already and I want your opinions on whether they're good or not.
I took my fully-paid 6 months maternity leave, which I am half way through. I am due to go back to work in April, full time but me and my partner both can work flexible hours. DD (who will be 6 months old at that point) is booked into a really good nursery for 4 hours every weekday afternoon. DP and I will alternate mornings of childcare. The nursery is 2 mins from our house and 5 mins from work. I can pop out of work when I want to and see her.
I feel really sad about sending her to nursery, but this will enable me to carry on my career which I have worked hard at and want to have in the long term. Family and friends are pressurising me to take a year off, but I think I am lucky to be able to continue flexibly at a job I enjoy (still earning my salary) and with a good local nursery. Should I consider taking longer off or stick to these decisions and learn to cope with the sadness of leaving DD in the nursery for those afternoons (and with DP some of the mornings - so not seeing her for some whole working days).
Thanks

I'd stick with your decision
You're so lucky only to have to put her in for 4 hours & she'll be fine
Having a year off might mean losing her place or your work might not be as flexible

Your rights are not so well protected if you take additional ML . If you return after statutory leave you have the right to your exact same post, whereas they could conceivably move you to an 'equivalent' post after a year. Also, your child is more likely to settle smoothly at nursery at 6 months rather than a year, because separation anxiety kicks in big time around that time. So I would say without hesitation (having gone back when dd was just under 6 months myself) - go for the very good option you have sorted

I would stick with your plan. It sounds perfect.

I think in your case I would go for it too -

Go for it

You sound like you have the closest thing to a perfect solution that you can! Tell well meaning family and friends to bugger off. Go back and have the best of both worlds. You appear to be very lucky!!!

And don't pop in, you'll upset her and she won't understand why she isn't going home when she sees you

Ignore friends and family and do what you are comfortable with. Sounds like you have an excellent child care arrangement worked out. Weigh up what you would gain and what you would lose. E.g. Are you happy about the nursery being involved in weaning or would you rather do that yourself.

I agree with everyone else. Friends & family don't lead their lives to please you. You shouldn't have to live your life to please them either!

It sounds perfect for you!

I would stick with your plan. I am very envious of it - it sounds perfect :)

Thank you everyone - that is very heartening!