Work after maternity leave

[2023mama]

I’m looking for some advice because I’m completely lost on what to do. Prior to mat leave I worked on the pastoral team in an sen school. I got OMP and will have to pay some back if I dont return for at least 3 months. I’m now thinking I may not want to return to that job but I don’t know how to have this discussion with work, or have any idea what I want to do if I don’t.
I have only ever worked in education (apart from retail while at university) so have no idea what work I’d be suited to. I’m hoping to work a couple of days a week, but not weekends or over Christmas. Does anyone have any ideas?

I think the thought of going back to work, when you are on maternity leave seems awful to many new Mums.

Why not discuss with your school if you can go back there in a PT capacity.
It is to something you know, and know you can do. It will include having the school holidays at home (which you will appreciate immensely as your little one gets older).
If, once you've got into a routine, you still feel it isn't want you want to do forevermore, then you can have a look around for different roles at that point.

It’s not that I don’t want to work at all (I mean I don’t, but it’s not feasible). It’s my specific job I don’t want to return to. It’s physically demanding, with risks around getting hurt, emotionally draining and lots of paperwork including safeguarding stuff. Prior to being pregnant I never ever left on time. It’s not even that I don’t want to return to that job ever, just with a baby I want to be as present as possible

It all depends on how much you want to earn and how long you mean by Christmas. There will be plenty of jobs where you don't work Christmas day or weekends much harder if you want two weeks off every Christmas. There is a good chance they are lower paid if you only want to work 2 days a week. If you still like teaching, just not the senco aspect, you could look at job share, substitute teaching or tutoring.

I work in am office environment and most part time people started off full time and then either had kids or are winding down due to retirement or ill health. I don't know anyone working less than 3 days a week as it gets difficult to do a career type job below that. Plenty do some full days and some shorter days around school hours.