Why am I sad?!

[LavalavalavaLamp]

My request to return from mat leave part time has been rejected. I'd prefer be a sahm than work full time so will resign and might look for something else later down the line.
I'm miffed that no effort has been made to find a compromise so that I might return part time but not surprised and it's just another thing to add to a long list of annoyances.
Although I enjoyed some aspects of my work I've spent too much time ranting about it and feel that now I have dd 5mo it's really isn't worth the stress. Especially considering the little pocket money that would be leftover after child care costs.
Rationally I know I'm better off not returning, but I feel really flat, like I'm mourning it. Can someone slap some sense into me please?!

have they given a reason for the refusal? As far as I understand, you could appeal it?

I understand the sadness though - im about to have dc2 and am going to ask to go down to four days on my return and would feel like theyd rather not have me at all than just have me four days if they saod no.

They've said it will be detrimental to quality to organise between 2 part time employees. I have asked for more detail as to why but not officially appealed, had no response yet (I suspect that he's asking a solicitor or something for help) I wonder if I fought a bit if I could negotiate a compromise but I'm conflicted about how much I want to work there! Or work at all really, dd is my pfb so having a wobble.

You're sad because you're seeing it as a part of you disapeearing - whether that's the freedom of your old life, independence or whatever, but I would think it was very normal to feel sad - especially as there is an element of it being taken from you rather than it being purely choice.

I think if you're pretty certain that you want to go you have nothing to lose by trying to negotiate a decent exit. They don't owe you anything though. Your job was there for you to return to and they say they have a valid business reason why they can't accomodate your request. It's be differnt if your original job had changed in such a way that they could be perceived as deliberately trying to obstruct your return to work.

This is a long shot but have a look on the job search websites for part-time jobs in your line of work, is there anything available?

If so, maybe you could return to your job (temporarily) and whist there apply for a part time jobs elsewhere?

It's a real shame when you want to go back part time and you are not allowed to A lot of businesses could do with looking a lot more positively on part time work But that's another thread You must of course do what suits you and your family But can I say that both personally and professionally I have seen lots of women giving up work when they couldn't go part time or couldn't get baby into the nursery they wanted or husband not supportive of wife working or whatever From time to time I have had thoughts of giving up myself But while it can be easy to give up(assuming family income can stand it ) it can be very difficult to get back to work I echo a pp If you want to work part time do not let an intransigent employer put you off Go back and look for a part time job Good luck

What do you mean Wise? About negotiating an exit.
I've had a look today and there are some part time jobs that I could apply for, I'll wait a bit though because I'm not due back until the new year but I feel a bit more confident that part time roles that I could do exist.
I think I do need to work just a bit though. I'm a bit clingy to dd but being alone with her a lot does take it's toll. I think I do need a small part of my life to be separate from her.
I've still not heard back from my boss though...