Returning to work after baby : (

[FirstCub4Bear]

Okay this is long, but I need help figuring out whether to return to work in a couple of weeks...! : /

Background:

I had a high-risk pregnancy (high blood pressure) and was pulled out of work at 7 months pregnant - the doc thought the stress of my job as a news reporter was too much. My company said at the time I'd have 12 weeks FMLA but when that expired (one week after baby was due) I would be terminated. Stupid.
I was told I'd be fired July 3 and that they'd try to rehire me, but in these tough journalism times, no promises. Basically, I had planned to be unemployed and look for a new job in January when my baby was 6 months old.

Four weeks after my baby was born, my HR dept. called and said they never terminated me and that they found a way for me to keep my job and return. This put a whole new spin on things! First, I'd planned to stay home the first 6 months and was REALLY HAPPY about that. Second, I had gotten off the daycare waiting list for fall/winter. The company said they'd give me an extra four weeks past my 6 weeks of maternity to find daycare...and luckily my daycare can get me in by mid-Sept when I'm to return.

I had to make a decision. Either go back in Sept. and have a stable job in a bad economy (it's really hard to find journalism jobs these days) and not be able to stay with my bub for the first 6 months as planned....or, not return, stay home with bub, and look for a job in january as originally planned....risky.

My wheels are still spinning and time is running out to really decide. I guess I'm wondering who out there is a working mother, and who is a stay at home mom....and how do you like either?

It breaks my heart to put Jack in daycare so early when I'd planned to be with him for another four months. But, it would be nice to not have to job hunt in January and keep a paycheck coming in. SIGH.

THOUGHTS???? xo, Heather

[jenkaye21]

I do work, my older two are in school and the little two (including new baby)
go to a family daycare.

For me, I enjoy working and wouldn't stay home even if i could.  That may sound terrible, but first of all, I am a teacher and find my career very rewarding.  Second, I find that i am more patient, more attentive, and basically a better mom when i am working.  Summer gives me a chance to see what staying home would be like, and while i enjoy that time, i am always glad to go back to work.  = )

It is a very personal decision, and I think some women are great stay-at-home moms and some are meant to work.  You could always try going back and see how it goes.  Do you have reliable daycare (that you are comfortable with?)  already set up?  Having a good, loving provider makes all the difference!!
  

[Mumita]

Well My leave is up on October 19th, and my boss decided to be a total B!tch and remind me tht if I'm not back by October 19th then she'll fire me (oh she decided to send me text messages about this ON MY LEAVE!, she couldn't tell me this in person in the office, B!TCH!)  Anyway, I do not plan on going back.  As far as I know that B!TCH can shove that job up her a$$.  Sorry had to vent!
Anyway I'm not going back because my job isn't worth it, my time is spent better taking care of my baby who is more important than anything else in this world (and my husband too).  That job doesn't have any growth opportunities for me and the environment is horrible and I'd get paid to basically pay for daycare. If I were going to a job that was worthwhile or back to school to do my MA, then that would be a different story, I'd find someone to take care of Finley.  But my situation for me right now is not worth it.

In your situation, I would think that your job is worthwhile, its a career path and you have a secure position, as much as it would break your heart, you wouldn't be wasting your time going back to work, it is a good oportunity.  In my case it isn't.
Good luck!

[ladybugbob1029]

Hey Hon - I am a working mother.  Staying at home would have been GREAT and was an option, but like you it was a risky one so I decided to come back to work.  I started back part time last week and will go full time next week to make the transition easier on me and Cash.  It was hard the first few days and in the mornings its still hard to leave him, but I'm doing it all for him to provide better for him and to insure that I can continue to in the future.  And actually Cash has adjusted very well!  Turns out the this "transition time" has been more for me than him bc he loves his caregiver and does great!  This was the best choice for my family, but I understand what you are going through and know you will make the best choice for yours.  Its hard bc they are only little for a while, but you have to think longterm as well, so weigh it out and either way he will be just fine!  Let me know what you decide!