Returning to work after maternity leave dilemmas

Poppy9

Money_maker wrote: »

This is how I feel.

I work PT around my LO doing hours to fit around the family.

Way I see it, when I'm old I'll be thinking of the family I had not the career I missed. And be glad I made the right decision.

I loved working part-time for 16 years. It meant I could be involved in DD school, attend concerts and school trips. I could also take her to after school activities and she could have friends home straight from school regularly. School holidays were also not so much of a problem. Money was tighter but we (because I believe it was a partnership between myself and my husband) gave her the most precious thing we could, our time. Perhaps I did stretch it out a bit doing it for 16 years though:rotfl:

Spendless

Poppy9 wrote: »

I loved working part-time for 16 years. It meant I could be involved in DD school, attend concerts and school trips. I could also take her to after school activities and she could have friends home straight from school regularly. School holidays were also not so much of a problem. Money was tighter but we (because I believe it was a partnership between myself and my husband) gave her the most precious thing we could, our time. Perhaps I did stretch it out a bit doing it for 16 years though:rotfl:

And bearing in mind the above what was the earliest age you would have said it would have been 'right' for you to go back f-time?

I'm also a fan of p-time work for the balance. That's if you can find it.

sir_monster

MI3 seems like you've done the best thing to book the space and maybe if money becomes tight you could drop it down to a day a week even?? Also think would be good to look for work if lo is in the nursery as you say is impossible to do anything some days!!

I've been back since October working 3 days a week but using annual leave and very lucky as have lots of leave so can do this. Longer term I think my plan is to work full time but to have shorter weeks every 2 to 3 weeks using a/l or on flexi time so gives me sometime alone with lo. Also do feel being back I appreciate the time with him a lot more as it is hard full time with them, no matter how much we love them.

Poppy9

Spendless wrote: »

And bearing in mind the above what was the earliest age you would have said it would have been 'right' for you to go back f-time?

Well I considered it when offered a fab job when DD was 12 but I just instinctively felt I was still needed. Two years later I realised I wasn't so needed and then in April this year a chance came up in work to go full time in same office but different team and I went for it. Only trouble was DD did her GCSEs this Summer and I felt she needed me at home to give her a bit more support at times but all was fine in the end.

Spendless wrote:

I'm also a fan of p-time work for the balance. That's if you can find it.

It's quite easy to find part-time work but it's very difficult to find part-time work that you can arrange childcare around. Most nurseries and childminders are Mon-Fri 8-6 and if you work retail or shift work like nursing then you are stuffed! Plus couples can end up being ships that pass in the night!

neverdespairgirl

Spendless wrote: »

And bearing in mind the above what was the earliest age you would have said it would have been 'right' for you to go back f-time?

I'm also a fan of p-time work for the balance. That's if you can find it.

My mother gave up work about the same time as she got pregnant with me. She went back part-time when I was 17 - my siblings were 15, 11, and nearly 10. She was a teacher, and taught at the school my sisters and I attended.

Penny_pauper

Hi
I've got a one and a half year old and when I returned to work I went back full time but used holidays to go part time. It gave me the opportunity to try different forms of part time (4 days, 3 and a half days and 3 days) I was quite surprised that 4 days was ok for me, 5 was unbearable and 3 days was a fantasy according to our finances. I'm glad I didn't go part time immediately as I'm now expecting number 2 (it happened much quicker than we planned!). If you can, try using holidays to see what works for you plus it's really nice to get wages, especially a full time wage after so long on maternity pay!
PP

Metranil_Vavin

Just thought I'd update on my situation. I have been offered and accepted a job working in the same industry I was in pre-baby, but on a p/t basis, 3 days a week.

A friend of mine who works there got in touch, and we worked out a compromise that would suit her and me.

I've been lucky in that I do have good contacts in my line of work and I've been able to call on people. I also had contacted an agency with my cv, but the minute the guy heard me say 'part time' he went very quiet, said he'd get back to me and I never heard from him again!

We'll see how things pan out anyway as the commute is potentially going to be the stumbling block, but I am planning on starting early and leaving by 4 so I can pick DS up. He will be going into nursery for 2 days, and a local childminder for the 3rd.