I start back at work on Monday, having left in March 2007 before DD1 was born. DDs 1 and 2 are year 1 and pre primary, so in school five days per week, but I still want to be around for them as much as possible. Obviously DD3 is a long way from any sort of schooling yet, and while I love being home with her and mummy guilt is giving me a kick in the pants that I'm "abandoning" my baby whereas I stayed home for her sisters, the idea of waiting four odd more years for her to be at school before I go to work is just too much. After more than six years as a SAHM I am desperate to be back at work, albeit in a part time capacity.

I am incredibly lucky in that my old employers have done everything they can to accommodate my needs (wants), and have given me hours/days that give me the balance I want of work and time for the girls. Otherwise, from everything I've seen and heard, finding a job that was mentally stimulating, well paid but only two days per week would perhaps take some time to find. I do think though that an extended absence from the workforce is more than offset by good skills and a good work history.