Start work in a few weeks time - reality check

[mumsville]

After alot of trying I've found myself a part time job about 40 mins away (not bad for London) starting soon and I plan to put ds 15 months into nursery two days and dh look after one day.

The working day is long so dh to do nursery pick up.

I feel so stressed, putting ds in nursery, the guilt and also the absolute fear of being rubbish in this job after a long break. Have totally lost my confidence.

What is the going back to work after a long break and to a new job as a new mother really like. What are the stress points and how do I cope?

We need the cash by the way.

Hi mumsville
Congratulations 1st of all on the new job. It's not always easy to get something pt! I'm in a similar position to you as I'm back to work beg of October, after having dd (nearly 10 months) and the weeks are going down so quickly!

However I have 2 dcs so have been in this position before and can tell you a bit about how I found it first time around. Basically I was dreading it then (as I am now) but I have to say the reality wasn't as bad as I had anticipated.

It was really emotional the 1st week I was there but there were plus points. Having a break from being a mum was refreshing and I had more energy for the 4 days of the week at home.

The stress points for me were at the very beginning, trying to settle ds at nursery but as I was only doing pick-up, dh had the worst of that.

Also, it was tricky when ds got ill. He had eczema and a few stomach upsets during the 1st few months and it was difficult to negotiate between the need to be at home with him and the need to be at work (although I was lucky to have an understanding boss).

But guess what I want to say is that hopefully it won't be as bad as you think - there are positives and negatives, but when I went back to work on a Monday I did feel that I'd spent a good deal of time with ds and had a good balance! Plus the money in the bank was most welcome, as you say!!