When is a good time to go back FT?

[auntyspan]

My DD1 is 18 months and I currently work 4 days a week (one from home). I'm toying with the idea of going back full time - DD is in nursery 2 days and with M&D 2 days, so I'd extend her nursery time to 3 days.

Usual feelings of guilt... but I love my job and would massively better off if I went back FT.

Has anyone gone from PT to FT - if so - at what age were your DC?

2 weeks because then they know their nanny as well as you and sexist patterns of care are not established at home as both mother and father have same time off and there is no massive wrench. Worked really well for us. Obviously people differ.

The age she is at the moment, I honestly don't think she'd notice the difference, which is a good point....

I think that it is a good idea for you to go back full-time, your daughter is used to the routine of going to nursery and elsewhere, and I can't imagine that it would be hugely disruptive, so don't feel guilty. I have worked FT since my dd was 4 months (she is now 11) and although it has been a struggle, I have been very lucky in that everything has worked well, she feels happy and secure, understands that I have to work, and I have built up a very good career as well. Some of my colleagues work PT and although it isn't fair, they are sidelined and are not considered to be as dedicated as FTers, and tend to lose out on working on interesting projects. (I do work in a male-dominated industry though, so that may have some bearing). In any case, good luck in what you decide!

I went back to work FT when DS was 18mths in January. He does 2 days with a CM, 3 days at nursery and he's doing brilliantly. He's far more sociable and outgoing, not to mention his language development and so on than he'd ever have been if I'd stayed at home - DH works away during the week, so it was very difficult just the 2 of us. He loves it, and he's now used to the routine as well, so we're both happy.

I'm so pleased with what KittyLouise says about her 11yo - a relief that it has worked out fine. And at least with your DD being only 18mths as well auntyspan, she'll get used to it without it being too much of a disruption.

I was at a conference of working women today and 100% of the working mums (FT & PT) admitted to guilt, so you're definitely not alone. Good luck, whatever you decide.