I started maternity leave 16 months ago, it’s completely unpaid but they’re keeping a position for me when I’m ready to go back. It’s a state job and there’s not much work to do and they hired someone to do my job while I’m out so I don’t think they’re really missing me, but I can’t be sure of course.

I’m supposed to go back in 2 months but I just don’t see it happening. We don’t need the $ and I don’t want to put my son in daycare. I can’t really pinpoint why but it’s how I feel at the moment.

I went to school for engineering and almost have my professional engineer license. If I go back I could make $100k or so and with my license it could be more like $150-200k and my husband could even quit to be a stay at home dad. When I was job searching a few years ago for the job I have now, I interviewed at 7 firms and got an offer for each place so I feel confident in my interview abilities and ability to get another job if/when I have to.

I have no idea how to make this decision. Maybe I’m naive to think I could re enter the workforce in 5-10 years as an engineer? My sister is a doctor and went back to work right away after having her baby, saying she couldn’t imagine letting her education go to waste. I need help 😥