After my first bout of maternity leave with Harry I was ready to go back to work. He was a grumpy baby, and to be honest I didn't mind the break. I just enjoyed being able to sit at my desk without being disturbed, and to have a lunchbreak in which I could eat my sandwiches quietly and check the news headlines on the computer. This time though, I'm finding the prospect of returning to work more difficult. Perhaps my feelings have something to do with the fact that I don't see another year of maternity leave on the horizon...
Mia has had her first full day at nursery, and while of course it is going to take a few weeks for her to settle fully I'm happy with the care and attention that she will receive. She'll also have the benefit of extra time to spend with my husband and my parents. My first few weeks back at work are going to be a bit of a struggle as we get to know our new routine, in particular the mornings where I will be starting work early and my husband needs to get both little ones up, dressed and breakfasted before going to work himself.
I'll still have two and a half days a week at home with both children, and from experience when I had the same with Harry this is a nice amount of time to fill, and doesn't make the week seem like one endless long afternoon. My days off are in the middle of the week too, which breaks things up nicely, and I hope that our time together will be better spent as I make the effort to do fun things.
I do have a few things to get ready before going back to work. I've chosen the photographs to display on my desk and I've sorted out my handbag (not a spare nappy or baby wipe in sight!). Now I'm hoping to spend the next couple of weeks on a bit of a detox so that I can button up my smart trousers comfortably!
I'm hoping to start work next January when my daughter starts nursery and I'm already finding it a daunting prospect. I hope all goes well with the transition into this new routine!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It is made easier because we've done it before with Harry, especially because we know the nursery, the staff, the routines and so on, and we're used to working together to get everyone where they need to be. It's a scary thing though when you've been off work for a year and have been used to doing what you want to all day (within the demands of small children of course!).
DeleteHope all goes well on your return to work. Sounds like it will be quite a nice balance for all once you all get used to the new routine.
ReplyDeleteThank you, yes it should work out well for us once we are settled!
DeleteI have to say that I found it much more difficult returning to work second time round. You can read about it on my blog if you like but it doesn't make for light reading. My circumstances meant I went back full-time though and I found that very difficult (still do). I think it sounds like you may have a good balance between work and home. Fingers crossed it works for you
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, I've had a read of your blog and I can see how difficult you've found it. I am lucky that I can work part time, and also I work fairly close to home, although I do have to start very early in the morning and the days that I work are long days so that I can have an extra half day at home.
DeleteI think that I've enjoyed this maternity leave much more than the first as it has given me an opportunity to spend some extra time with my son. When I was off for the first time it was all about me and a grumpy baby, this time round I already had friends and activities lined up and it's harder to give it up. Having said that, I do appreciate that it's very different to be returning part-time than full-time.
This can be so difficult. But I do think once you are back a day or two and get a routine going, it does work out. Good luck and enjoy the rest of your leave.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, I'm hoping for some nice weather the next couple of weeks!
DeleteAww really good luck with going back to work!
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everything will sort itself into a new routine before you know it ;)
Thank you! It's always difficult when thinking about these things, but I'm sure it will work itself out in a few weeks.
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