Hi Astrid,

I don't think what you are proposing is unreasonable at all.........in fact it sounds like you have thought out your situation very well!

In terms of dealing with those that don't understand......well, that is a tricky one. I was in the exact same situation as you; and also found it difficult to explain to people what my plans would be after I had Olivia. I quickly realised that by taking on their opinions, I only got annoyed, so I ended up saying, consistently:

" I have no idea how I shall feel about coming back to work. I have never had a baby before, It may be that I want to return full time, or it maybe that I can't bear to be parted from her. So I shall play it by ear"

A kind of non-descript, one-size fits all answer to a question, which at the end of the day, is actually none of their business!

Now that I have been off work for over a year (I resigned rather than take mat. leave for all sorts of reasons) I still have people calling me offering me work or people asking me when I plan to go back. To which my answer is:

"Olivia and I are having such a great time together. I am working from home, running my own business, earning plenty, whilst still spending loads of time with her, so at this stage I have no plans to change that"

Some FT working women who have no kids look at me like I am mad, but I figure they have not been lucky enough to experience the joy of kids.

Some women with kids express their envy and wish me all the best.

Most guys don't care much either way, apart from my old boss who is disappointed, but knows me well enough to understand!

Astrid, I hope this helps?

If you can work from home, make ends meet and enjoy your baby, well, I think you will be the envy of most people!