To work or not to work? (take 2)

[li'l mac]

I posted this last night but the post disappeared with the site maintenance today...

I'm debating whether to go back to work next year or not. DS is now 9months so will be about 15 months by the time I'd go back. I moved interstate while pregnant so I'd be looking for a new job and am only really wanting to work 1 or 2 days per week. DH is keen for me to stay home but part of me would like to have something for me. I'm really torn between wanting to be a full time SAHM and keeping my skills up in the workforce...

Can anyone offer comments about their experience of going back to work or choosing not to go back to work? Ta!

[Gemma]

hi

i went btw when DD was 9mths old 2 days a week (so 2 days of day care). both of us coped very well. DD loves daycare.

I now work 4 days a week (why, why, why????) and DD is now 3. In hindsight, 3 days a week was enough 4 is a bit too much, but I'm planning ttc soon so I figure i'll be on mat leave soon enough.

the hardest thing i find is finding time for housework...the place always looks messy...and cooking healthy meals...i now cook lots of meals on the w-end and freeze them for during the week.

its all about organisation and having a supportive hubby...if they are not supportive and willing to give a hand around the house and with bub then forget it they can be the bread earner and mum can stay at home as far as I am concerned.

HTH's

[Mumma]

This has been my dilemma!

I went back to work when DS was five months (two days a wk, now five days a fortnight). DS is now 1, and I have decideid to finish up work and be SAHM.

I think I will definitely miss certain aspects of working (the social interaction, the challenges, the sesne of contribution), but I realise that part time work was too stressful for me!

I really want to enjoy life and not be so busy. My focus is really on home life (and the freedom that brings). I am going to be a little cheeky and keep DS in care one day a week though, so I think this will also be tremendous for me as I have no family here, so breaks are few and far between.

I am lucky though I have a hobby that pays so I will resume that for a tiny bit of pocket money.

Good luck with whatever decision suits you!