Crazy to change job after maternity leave?

[decisionschoices]

I am returning to work after maternity leave soon. I work for a large multinational that expects a lot of long hours. A job on a different team has come up that I think I would find more interesting. The problem is that I am unsure of the workload and flexibility in that team. I expect it to be the same or potentially slightly less flexible than my current job. However I think I’d enjoy the job much more though. Am I crazy to consider applying given that I’m only coming back from maternity? My child is due to start nursery the week I return. It’s my first child and I am expecting nursery hell (sicknesses etc.). So would I be crazy to try move jobs? Has anyone done this?

You need to have an informal conversation with whomever is the recruitment lead for the position - that's the only way to answer some of those questions BEFORE you apply.

Go for it. I changed job (including company) whilst on maternity leave. Didn't tell them I was interviewing on maternity leave. They gave me the job and I have loved it so much. I had similar questions about flexibility etc and had no issues! In some ways better as they don't know you to work long hours etc so it is what it is