Sorry, this is a long one. Due back at end of May 2015 although DH is trying to convince me to return sooner, before mat pay runs out.
DH and I both work for a large corporation which usually supports flexible arrangements for parents. Before my mat leave started, I was about to become jobless as I was on a graduate scheme which was coming to an end, and no-one wanted to hire the heavily pregnant lady... Then a previous leader of mine came to the rescue and created a brand new job specially for me, to start when I return from mat leave.
Odd thing is that despite knowing she was hiring a new mum, she made it clear she wants me on full hours, saying something along the lines of "this is going to be a full time role" and "we don't do flexible working in this team".
With around an hour commute, we're looking at both of us being out around 50 hours a week. I'm already getting very anxious about this, I just don't want to leave my baby for this amount of time... I'll only see him at bedtime and weekends! I really want to ask to go down to 3 days a week. It'll be easier to arrange childcare that way, too.
What can I do...? I don't want to start my new working relationship with my boss off to a bad start, but don't want to compromise on my baby's early years either :( I am wondering if I should just ask her anyway, despite the fact she likely won't support it... It's also embarrassing because I sort of agreed to it verbally when I accepted the job, because I needed the job!
If I do bring it up, should I take a KIT day and meet her in person, or should I just email... Should I just mention it vaguely at first to put the idea in her mind (e.g. something about how it's going to be difficult to get childcare for such long hours) or should I be totally frank?
This is driving me crazy and casting a shadow over my otherwise enjoyable maternity leave :(