Why did you return to work?

[Amethyst]

hmmm I took 12 months Mat leave and i thought i'd love being a SAHM but I really struggled with it.... I think it took me almost all of those 12 months before I could really say I loved being a SAHM. I was riddled with guilt and self-worth issues....and I wish I had just let up on myself and enjoyed that year with DD. Anyway, at the end of my mat leave, my employer wanted me back full time and I just didnt want to do it. I had a great job, conditions and pay-wise, but i didnt love my job - it was very stressful and i was overworked and I was pretty certain nothing had changed since i went on leave! SO I ended up quitting which I am hoping proves to be the best move for me because its made me rethink my career path and I am planning on studying next year to become a teacher.....

But I was needing something to stop those self worth doubts and give me back a piece of my identity I guess, so I am working two 4 hour shifts at a supermarket and I am really enjoying it! The extra money is nice and the adult interaction/just getting out of the house and being me and not mum, has been really positive for me. I didnt need to work for financial reasons but mentally its been really worthwhile.

I still say I am a SAHM even though I work casually, So for me it was just to make me feel like I was contributing financially, even if its only a tiny small bit, and not mooching off DH and give me some pride back in myself. And for some reason it has made me a MUCH better SAHM - I am doing so much more around the house than I was when I wasnt working, I feel so much better and I now LOVE being a SAHM. I feel really lucky now!