Countdown to returning to work and dreading it

[Jennym9211]

Hi im sure this has come up loads but i am now on the countdown for going back to work luckily only 2.5 days a week and im dreading it, ive strarted getting very anxious about it and keep crying im going to miss my little girl so much i love her soo much i dont wanna spend a minute without her. Luckily my sister is looking after her those 2.5 days a week although she has 3 kids of her own who are very boistrous and im nervous about what they will b like with her. I need some advice on how to get through this and any support would b very much appreciated im so distressed by the thought of going back to work!

Oh I know how hard this bit is but believe me, the anticipation is way worse than the reality. It will be fine. I felt dreadful at the end of my two maternity leaves but I actually enjoy the balance between work and home life now and my girls benefit from a variety of different influences in their life, not just me all the time.

Your little one will be fine. I found it helped to write down the benefits of working - i.e. increased financial stability and also of the things you'll enjoy about being back at work - catching up with colleagues, a lunch hour etc. Good luck! It'll be fine - honest.

Thank u ever so much this has helped im going to right a list of the postives of going back to work x

The first day or two will be a bit bleak but you will very soon settle in to weeing when you want, eating when you want. Not being disturbed. Adult conversation. A break. As you're not full time you will have the best of both worlds and get good quality time with DC that you'll appreciate more and have money to do things with them.

Honestly, you'll love it

I agree, it is never as bad as you think it is going to be and I have been there twice. It's just because you have been in your mat leave bubble for so long you have forgotten all the good things about working and having some of your own time. It may take a few weeks to get into a routine but once you do it will be fine.

If you want to try and feel better about your situation try looking at it the other way round and read some of the posts about those going back full time or those who are desperate to get back into work after talking time out and are really struggling to find a job. 2.5 days is a great work/ life balance and you will treasure the days you have with your daughter all the more. Everyone feels nervous about going back.

I'm back to work ft on Monday and have also been very tearful and sad in the last few weeks.

What has really helped me though c is I've spent the last 3 weeks gradually settling DS into nursery.

Seeing how happy he is has taken away some of the stress, and it's also been nice to have a couple of hours of baby free time - caught up on housework, got hair cut etc.

I think it's made a big difference. I know your lo is staying with a relative but maybe a few days practicing the new routine wound smooth the transition?

Good luck.