Are you returning to work after maternity leave?

Question

My husband and I have decided that it’s best for our family that I stay home after we have our baby in March. We made this decision last night... 
My biggest thing/issue is, I really like what I do for work and enjoy working with the people that I do... and I’m just terrified of breaking hearts and hurting feelings. I’m the type of person that doesn’t like hurting people and leaving people in a bind, so I am emotional and worried and upset about this ordeal. 
Do you have any advice?

Answer

Not to my old job but I’ll be looking for a new one while on leave

Answer

When the baby comes you will care a whole lot less. Your whole world shifts

Answer

I'm leaving it up to my employer. Infant daycare is almost the cost of my entire paycheck, so if I'm sacrificing that anyway I might as well quit and stay home with the baby. But I've asked them if I can work from home instead of returning to the office, because I like my job and would love the extra income, so if they say yes I will continue working, if they say no I'll quit and stay home.

Answer

I didn't go back after my son was born. I loved my coworkers and they were disappointed but they understood. I still talk to them and I still go visit them. The hardest part was leaving and knowing those strong friendships weren't going to be as strong but being here for all my sons firsts it's definitely worth it. 💙

Answer

I absolutely have to go back to work after my leave. We are going to be buying a house just before baby is born and we both have to be working to afford our home on top of all of our regular bills. Plus I enjoy working. I enjoy my coworkers and job. My job is also the one that provides insurance, so that's a huge determining factor.

Answer

I’m still on the fence- I need to be out on maternity leave to determine if I can stay home or if I need to go back. Right now- I’m planning on going back, but I really want to stay home.
That being said- I totally understand the feeling of leaving others in a bind and worrying about it all. I’ve been in my career for 15 years, at the same company. How I’ve been able to help myself not feel so bad is thinking about how I need to make the best decision for myself and my growing family. This is the time where you need to put your family first- work is a business and it needs to be separate from personal. It’s really tough to do- just do what you need to do for your family, you’ll be doing the best thing.

Answer

No, my son has biliteral talipes and will need weekly hospital appointments when he’s born so I couldn’t go back to work. Plus we can’t afford childcare it’s around £500 a week in our area which is more than our rent. I’ll be a stay at home mum until he goes into school

Answer

I suggest you let them know as soon as possible. This way you don’t have to worry about it and they have plenty of time to hire someone new.

Answer

Is this what you're wanting, or you're making a sacrifice? I'm a SAHM but not until my 3rd child and I was definitely not wanting to go back to my job at that point. From my experience and from the people I know, if you're not really wanting to stay home, you're likely going to be miserable. I'm just asking because your post sounded like in your heart you want to go back to work.

Answer

We can’t afford our mortgage if I don’t go back to work (my husband and I make about the same amount). But it’s not just about money. Maybe you agree that you staying home is best for the kids, but you’re part of the family, too. If it’s not best for you, that needs to be considered. 
I don’t know what you do, but could you do it part time? Or find something else or contract a few days a week?
If it’s important to you to be around adults and have a job then you should have a job.

Are you returning to work after maternity leave?

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