Hate being back at work

[JessieD5377]

Hi everyone, just wanted to come on here to rant. Did anyone else go back to work after maternity leave and regret their decision? I have been back to work for about 8 months on a 15 hour contract but now up it to 24 hours a week spread over 4 days with dd being in nursery 4 days a week. I hate this decision and feel so guilty that dd is as at nursery more than with me during the week.
My dd loves nursery and always has the best time there, I just can't seem to shake the mum guilt and wish I never returned to work after maternity but unfortunately we're not in a financial position to pay all the bills. But with me working a dd being I'm nursery I'm practically working to pay for her nursery. Anyone else have a similar situation and what did you do?

Yep. When DS was in nursery it cost us double our mortgage payments each month. Things got better when he turned three. I stayed working four days a week and when he started school, got a new job. That wouldn't have been possible if I'd have stayed at home or gone part time. I now have minimal childcare costs (£100 a month for wrap around care) and earn £27k more than I did back then. You need to play the long game and accept that those first five years are going to take their toll financially and mentally.

Yeah this is what I keep telling myself. Things will get better when shes 3. She turns 2 next year so it's not too far away. Just have to hang on in there I guess

Could you do your hours in 3 days? Would save a day nursery

Yes completely know where you are coming from. The nursery costs are hard to bear. But the stimulation and social experience gained from nursery is worth this pain, in my opinion. My baby came on leaps and bounds at nursery - language development, social skills. Try not to feel guilty.

Agree with post above. You never know what the future holds. My long term relationship broke down. I can't tell you how thankful I am that I had continued to work, or I'd be in dire straits now.

Think about your pension contributions!!!

All good points! Thank you for taking the time to reply. My dd does enjoy nursery and has brought her on so well so that's something. It'll get better eventually 🤞

Does anyone else work in ASN and hate it?
i work with children in a complex learning school and all of them have different needs although all have Autism, some are non verbal and very difficult. I get punched, kicked, bitten etc daily and after 2 years I have physically and emotionally had enough. I actually do like the kids and the staff, I just know the job isn’t for me. I have gone for many interviews over the past few months and I’ve not had 1 single job offer.. I’m struggling to even think about going back to work after the summer break and the anxiety is already kicking in. Just interested to hear if anyone else on here feels the same, thank you 😊