Returning to teaching after mat leave - feeling anxious

[Toni93]

Hi all,

I have been on maternity leave since 1st February 2023 and due to return back to work 30th October 2023. It is 9months but I really wish I could turn back the hands of time and agree to 12 months.

Im a first time mum and I made this decision thinking I would be strong both mentally and physically to return to work, especially due to finances and my husband working from home at the time (not anymore though so that impacts childcare). I don’t feel so certain anymore.

Watching my little one grow has been so wonderful and I have enjoyed every second so far. I was having an unsettling feeling last month about leaving her, missing out on her growth and returning to work, so I messaged my employer (feeling really guilty as its was a few days before the summer break) and asked for a phased transition back.

I requested and they agreed to 6weeks part time (3 days in a week) then a full return in January as I have been put in Year 6 and do not want my absence to be a burden on the kids and school as they need to prepare for SATs. However, I am still really unsettled and its playing on my mind whether this is the right decision.

I don’t mind going back in January but would like to return in February. Do you think it is wise to ask my school again for this amendment in return date? Is this selfish of me to ask as they are counting on my return and I promised the headteacher I will come back on the dates specified? Do you think this is just separation anxieties kicking in and I should be strong as one day I will need to leave my little one?

I would really love and appreciate some advice/insight on this.

You need to do what’s right for you and your baby. I originally spoke to my head teacher and said I’d be back at 9 months but she told me to hold off to wait and see how I was feeling. At the start of my mat leave I was all for it but at the end I was questioning child care and was worried about missing out.
I took a year and then did a phased return with my owed holidays meaning I was only working part time until the summer. I have since decided to go part time to make family life easier.

Soeak to your head teacher and explain how you’re feeling and what you would like to do. They will appreciate the honesty and it gives them time to prepare now.

Thats amazing. I am so glad to hear it all worked out well for you.
You are right, I need to be honest and open. When initially requesting for a phased return, I was still thinking of what was best for the school to avoid disappointing anyone. Really wish I was just open with them from the beginning as they might fuss about filling in for me due to SATs preparations. But I need to think about whats best for my baby and I.

School and work will always be there. They will find someone to fill in for you, it might be a hassle but there’s never a shortage of teachers really.

Your little girl will only be this small once and if you’re not ready to leave her then you’re not ready to go back. At some point the time will come and you’ll feel the force to go back, that happens to all of us but if you can still take the time now and can afford it then go for it.

You’re so right. I will never get this chance back. Its vest for me to inform them now whilst there’s still time. Thank you so much