City lawyer - have resigned - now having second thoughts - help!

[Ronipops]

Well, title says it all really. I resigned this week after it all got too much. I'd been agonising over it for weeks and then after a particularly difficult day I just did it. Now I've done it, I'm having second thoughts! Is this normal or a sign that I've made a mistake?

Ostensibly I have a good flexible working arrangement (4 days, slightly shorter days) but, in practice, I have been working a lot more than that recently - which is the problem.

My DS is 18 months and I just feel it is unfair on him for me to work so much. My DH is a lawyer too and so we're both working in demanding jobs. On the other hand, I am scared about being at home all the time and not finding another job which is challenging / decently paid.

I thought the agonising would stop once I had made the decision!

What should I do? Even if I wanted to go back now, could I? Everyone knows I've resigned.

I feel in turmoil.

Mine too - and I'm a WOHM. Xenia's pretty extreme!

Best to find a new job. If you do go back - you won't be regarded s highly.

There are jobs that are less demanding if your partner expects you to be the one to make the sacrifices alone. Sounds like he isn't willing to reduce his job. Make it clear that you still want go back to a more demanding job when the kids are older and more independent.

But I think it is very important to get at least work part time even if it is charity work to keep from getting baby-brain. It will make it much harder to get out and stay current.

I had toddlers who played the Barney CD over and over and over and over and it almost drove me insane....

At the point when I could re-enter the work force it took ages for me to get mojo back! I felt like I had to relearn how to speak intelligently and the art of vomit-free fashion.

Good luck