Thanks for starting this thread! I am on day 2 of my mat leave and am already missing work! Work was my social life too and I felt so fulfilled by it. I know when Blake arrives I will have more to do - but am already getting "criticism" for my plan to work PT after 6 months. People keep saying things like "you'll never get the time back" or "its time to sacrifice your career for your family". I may surprise myself and lov being a SAHM -but there is nothing wrong with not finding it to be "enough". Everyone is different and has different needs - I am lucky that I won't "need" to go back financially - but may need to for my own sanity and sense of self IYKWIM.

FWIW - IMO - having something mentally stimulating for you (work or otherwise) even if it means some time away from your children, does not "harm" your kids. I subscribe to the "happy mum, happy kids" school of thought.