Should I return to my boring job after mat leave?

[blondemumma]

I'm wondering whether I should take the opportunity to be a SATM for longer this 2nd time round, and then look for a more fulfilling job. I've been back at work p/time since DS was 9 months and the benefits have outweighed my boredom - it's v local, flexible and I like the people. I find p/time working a good compromise - I love my time with DS but go to work for a rest

But once I've got 2 children, childcare will be more of an issue. I'd like to be around a lot for DS before/after school and during the hols, so would have to try and return on even more flexible hours, and get childcare for no. 2 to fit in with that.

We could probably manage financially if I didn't work for a couple of years, but then the thought of not having my accomodating and comfortable old job (and its 'ok' salary) to return to is a bit scary. On the other hand, I don't want to be festering there for several more years! I am lucky I only need to work part-time at the moment; it would certainly be too boring doing my job 5 full days a week.

I've got loads of time to decide - I'm taking the full year's mat leave. Just wondered if anyone else has been in the same boat? What did you do? Any regrets? Advice much appreciated.

sorry that should be SAHM - I knew I'd make at least one mistake at this time of night!

I would go for the part time option at current work, having two DCs myself i certainly agree it's a break

Plus, you will be keeping your skills up to date, and IMHO it is much easier to find a job when you already have a job. More employable and may hear of upcoming roles you might like through colleagues.

And you will be earning of course.

I went back, a bit reluctantly, in January after 2nd mat leave. It's quite boring, but ok money, and gets me out of the house and spending time with adults, using my brain a bit. I can swan off for a nice lunch out occasionally with the extra cash.

Agree with moaningminnie - stay with the part time option where you agree that the benefits outweigh the boredom, it's nice to get out and talk to other adults etc. When you return after ML, focus on working towards a more interesting job. I also agree with moaningminnie that it is far easier to move into another job when you're aleady working.

Hi Blondemumma,
Your dilemma sounds a bit like the one I encountered after the birth of ds, my 2nd child. I also had a pt, rather boring job, that I couldn't decide whether to go back to or not.

I kept making pros & cons lists - the cons of going back always massively outweighed the pros, so in the end I resigned. It's 1.5 years on now, and I've had ups and downs about my decision, but in general, I'm happy about it. When I first resigned I started to get into a lot of activities to take ds to - toddler groups, music etc - I found being a SAHM worked best for me if I kind of treated it like a job and got out the house each morning.

However, my career has probably suffered! I'm looking to go back to work at some point and I'm currently thinking I might have to do voluntary work or re-train. But this would always have been the case as I was fed up with my old job and wanted a career change.

If you didn't go back to work, do you think you'd miss the 'status' of working? I did, a bit, but fortunately have met quite a lot of other very sympathetic SAHMs, which has helped.