Would you go back to work if you didn’t have to?

[EmJay19]

Totally torn right now.
Been looking forward to starting a new job but as the time approaches have a sickening feeling in my stomach and wondering if I’m making the right decision. DS only 10 months old... I’m lucky enough to be in a position that going back to work is totally my choice and we don’t need the money.
What would you do?

I wouldn't return if I didn't have to

If I were to have another child I wouldn’t go back while my Dc was under school age. I did go back both times straight after maternity leave with existing DC and I wish I’d spent that time with them rather than rushing around in mornings and hardly seeing them in the evenings before bedtime madness.

I did quit my job when my DD was 11 months to stay home with her; quickly found myself bored shitless and went back three days a week.

Now though...the kids are at school and I've been furloughed since March and bloody loving it. I can't imagine how I ever had time to work! I have to go back soon though and am dreading it.

You can only decide based on how you feel right now, really. And if you change, then things can be changed to suit.

It's totally up to you. I was in your position years ago and I chose not to go back to work until my youngest started school. It was the right decision for our family and I don't regret a thing. I feel very lucky that we could afford for me to choose to stay at home, it's a privilege these days if you have that choice. It's not right for everyone but it was for me.

One other thing, you don't say whether or not you are married. If you aren't it's always a good idea to be earning your own money so that might influence your decision. You need your own money if you are married of course, but you have more protection if things (God forbid) don't work out.

Not on your nelly!

Try it. Take the job and see how it works out. If it doesn’t then quit. But give it a good chance and make sure your DP does his bit so you’re not doing everything.

Personally I have never needed to work since having DC as DH well paid and no interest in reducing his hours. But I did it for me, so I wasn’t just mum, so I could keep the satisfaction of my job and keep some semblance of equality between me and DH (though I work PT and so carry most of the house/DC load).

When dd was a baby l was made redundant which suited me perfectly and l took another year off. But then l missed earning my own money, got a local part time minimum wage shop job. So no stress but kept my CV ticking over until she got older.

I didn't work until Dd was 3 and then a perfect job came up that was only 16 hours, I would have happily taken the role of it was available when she was younger. I think it's important to have a place for yourself outside of 'motherhood'. However it was a no stress, leave work at the door role. I teach now and have no idea how teachers with young children manage it and if I had another child I wouldn't want to come back to this role unless it was very PT.

Thank you everyone! I’m feeling a bit better about it now. It’s 3 days a week but I really wish it was only two!! I’m going to give it a go!

Absolutely not!