Have some adult time
Get my brain ticking again, on things other than child related stuff
Extra money
Cons:
Travel
Less time to spend with DD
Less time doing home stuff (cramming it into less days)
DD was 10 months old, initially looked after by DH four days per week then I eventually went part-time and am now doing a 5 days fortnight.
DD is in creche 2 days per week and every second Friday, my mum looks after her. In the early days DD was looked after by DH & myself, with me being the main carer.
Mummy guilt - DD is 4 yo & I still have it from time to time, depending on how my home/work life is suffering or is in a good place.
What are the pros and cons that you looked at when deciding whether to return to work or not?
Pros
- Adult conversation
- Using my brain/degree/skills
- Going to the toilet alone
- Drinking a hot cup of coffee
- Riding my bike to work for exercise
- Sense of personal satisfaction
- Extra money and contributing to the household money wise
- Being able to get DP to do more around the house to share the load
Cons
- Less time at home
- Less time with the kids
- Kids doing stuff at childcare that you don't see them do at home
- Lots of rushing around
- Less time catching up and socialising with friends
How old were your child/ren when you made the return to work?
12 months each time
Did you return full time or part time?
Part time both times - still am part time
And lastly - mummy guilt, if you had it, how did you overcome it?
Didn't really have it to be honest as both kids have loved childcare and we all seem to be happier when I'm working
Pros:
Money.
Being able to drink a hot coffee or tea.
Enjoying lunch without having to share.
Dressing in something other than jeans/trackies.
Cons:
Being away from the kids and feeling like I'm missing things.
Not being there when they are sick/sad.
Early starts and late nights. I'm up before the kids and once they are in bed at night, its time to do washing/cleaning/getting ready for the next day.
Housework is getting neglected while I figure out when/how to do it...
How old were your child/ren when you made the return to work?
First time - DD was 11mths.
Second time - DS was 11mths, DD was 2 and a bit.
Did you return full time or part time?
Part time. No way could I have handled full time.
And lastly - mummy guilt, if you had it, how did you overcome it?
Yep, had it. Still haven't quite worked out how to overcome it. You need to work out why you are doing it - if it is for financial benefit, which it was for me, then I concentrate on all the good things I'm doing for them by providing us a bit of extra cash. We'll be able to go on holidays, do things as a family, etc.
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