Choosing to go back FT .. am I crazy?

[loulou0402]

I always planned to take full advantage of my maternity so will have 13 mths off in total .. DS is now 6 mth old and I’m sure the rest of my mat leave will continue to be an amazing time together

However I’m also really passionate about my career and what I’ve built so far, and keen to keep progressing it. DS will go to nursery 3 days a week and with my parents 2 days.

My gut feel is to go back FT, I miss work and as my job is so demanding I know I would end up working FT hours anyway but on PT pay ..
I love my son dearly but my career is also part of my identity and something that I do miss.

Anyway my question is - am I crazy? When I’ve discussed this with antenatal friends or some members of family they are shocked I’m CHOOSING to go back FT, when I could afford to work PT. It seems the norm is going back PT or not at all & I feel I’m being judged for this choice. And this choice doesn’t mean I don’t love or value time with my son.

However I’m also conscious you don’t get these years back ..

Any mums out there who went from demanding FT to PT after a baby and how did you find it / did it impact your career?

Any mums who like me chose to go back FT? How was it? Did you regret it or happy with your decision?

Thoughts appreciated!

Thank you

Hah I just asked my 5 year old if he minds mummy going to work everyday as suggested by pp - 'no mummy it's fine, I get treats off nana after school and we can go on holidays' 🤣 I think he's OK with it (he's never knows any different though tbf)

@loulou0402

Thank you all so much. I really value everyone’s comments and thoughts I think I’m going to go with my gut and go back FT. What’s the worse that can happen? If it doesn’t work we try something else that does xx

Nothing is set in stone. Just see how it goes. If it's awful you can always go part time.

Best of luck with it.

Go baCk f t
Your choice

I had nearly 6 years off and then went back 2 days a week and now work 5 days a week but slightly shorter days.

I find both me and Dh working bloody exhausting and all life admin has to be crammed into weekendI was musing the other day that I'm earning the same that I was 11 years ago.

Looking back now I loved being at home with the dc when they were little and I honestly wouldn't change my choice.

They're at school now so I feel to be at home now would be a bit self indulgent. It's so lovely to not be tied to schedules etc which both schooling and work bring

I don't feel that my identity is tied to my career (lawyer) and it has damaged my prospects long term but for me it was worth it

Go for it. I've just gone back full time after being on maternity leave for 13.5 months. It was a shock to the system at first for all of us but we've all adapted to the new routine and are happy with it. You can always look for a part time job if you find it doesn't suit you anyway.

Nobody ever questions a father going back to work full time, do they?

Your career is important to you and, I'm sure, you've worked hard for it. So go back to work. Make sure your childcare is the best you can afford though! I knew that my DC were getting much more from our nanny than they would get from me! I was crap at all the creative play and hated going to the park etc so they were much better off with her

Full time is ok if it it works for you and especially if you want a second.

But when they start childcare the first few months are hard as they catch so many bugs, and if us a juggle with work

... which is why you need really good child care

I’ve got two kids and worked full time after both. No regrets and no issues apart from an idiot man in a job interview who said “you have a baby so I assume you’re looking for part time work?” I’m happier and a better mother for it. You do you

If you want to go back full time and can manage the child care do it! If only for your mental health and happiness. A happy mum makes for happy children xx