Am I going back full time too soon

[lhmbobby]

Good Morning,

New to this but would love to hear your advice.

My son has just turned 2 and I am thinking of going back to full time work end of September. I currently work 3 days a week at the moment. In those 3 days he is with his grandparents and if and when I go back to work full time I was going to put him in nursery for 2 days a week.

It's not a necessity that I go back to work full time but the money would come in very handy. The plan is to start trying for baby number 2 in July next year so being in full time work isn't the plan forever.

I have got a full time job lined up but now it has come to the crunch I really don't feel like I want to leave him all week.

Thoughts and advice please

What are you worried about? I went back full time after all 3 of mine. It worked for us, and it was also super handy having a full time salary as the basis for later Mat leave pay calculations!

@Aquicknamechange2019

What are you worried about? I went back full time after all 3 of mine. It worked for us, and it was also super handy having a full time salary as the basis for later Mat leave pay calculations!

I'm worried he is still too young for me to be out full time. What age was your children when you went back full time?

10 months each time. They are all absolutely fine :)

If you have the choice though, it is lovely to spend the time with them.

How about splitting the difference and working 4 days a week? That worked brilliantly for me when my DC were little.

Belated happy birthday to your son and congratulations on wanting to get back to work.
I would have a few suggestions here:

1. Decide ahead of time whether you wish to get back to work - you seem to have done that. Just make sure you are clear about whether you wish to go back or not.
2. Think about what you will do with your son while you are at work. Things to consider are: where will he stay, how long, how do I feel about this, what will I do if he gets sick etc. Be clear and honest with yourself.
3. Once you are clear on these things and your are happy with them, follow through. Of course you will feel bad leaving your son, and don't judge yourself for it. This is natural and any mum would feel like that. Expect this to come up and think ahead of time, how you will handle this. To make a good decision, you need to have a clear head and a good thought process and not an unhappy baby around you.

I hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I’m going back full time after 4 months

It’s nice that you can leave him with his grandparents, that will make it easier. And then he will have the two days at nursery to see other small children and make friends. This way you have a nice balance. Could you go down to four days or is that not an option?