Starting new job after 8 years out, feeling wobbly, please reassure me!

[Doraemon]

Just that really - after half term I have a new job which is ideal in many many ways, it's in DCs' school and term time only, temporary contract but might lead onto something more permanent etc etc. DD (21 months) is going to childminder 4 days a week and one day with Daddy, and she'll only have to go to the childminder 8:15 til 3:15. And I know she will be fine, she's with the childminder this morning and went off with no protest for the first time. And it's only 7 weeks of school before it's Christmas.
But I've not worked out of home for more than the odd day since DS1 was born 9 1/2 years ago (even when I went back for a while I was on research leave). Today is the last day I'm going to be able to feed DD to sleep for her nap in peace with no one else around and I'm feeling all sad.

Tell me to pull myself together please.

It is natural (and fine) to feel wobbly and worried when facing a big change.

It will be fine. Try to focus on what you are gaining - money, 'me' time/time away from the kids, a life outside the family, protecting your future by increasing your employability (we don't know what the future holds), hopefully satisfaction in your job, being a role model - of a different sort to a SAHM -to your DC etc etc

These boards are full of women to struggling to get back into work after taking a break.

You have done both that and secured the Holy Grail of a schools hours job.
Try to see how amazing this is and what a great opp for you and try to feel proud and focus on what it will bring rather than what you will be missing.

My DC have thrived in childcare. Your DC will have focused attention and the chance to make little friends.

Can you do some special things over half-term to mark the end of being a SAHM and celebrating the job?

Good luck.

Thanks for you kind words Margo. It is indeed the Holy Grail and a great job both in terms of me doing something I want to do and in terms of resolving childcare issues (no family nearby, DH works long hours including trips away, DS1 has ASD and anxiety problems).

DD has kindly done her best to remind my why I want to go to work by dragging my clean wet laundry around in the mud outside....

I think it's really the same feeling I would have had anyway in another year's time when she started nursery school, especially as she's definitely my last baby. At least doing it this way I'm not having the 'oh lord what to do with the rest of my life' feeling along with the 'where has the time with my little baby gone' feeling....

You're right, I should try to make half term a bit special.