How did you go back to work?

Question

I'm suppose to go back to work in January, I just don't think I can do it. I know we need to do it to keep the bills getting paid, I just really hate the thought of leaving him. He will have just turned 6mths. When did you go back? Did you feel like you lost anything between you. I hate the thought of only seeing him a little in the morning and than just for an hour or two before he goes to bed at night. How can I do this?

Answer 1

My girlfriend told me "it's not the quantity of time, it's the quality". I always think of that when I go to work and it makes me feel a little better. I spend as much time with him as possible and I know that I'm doing the best I can!

Answer 2

I went back to work when my son was exactly 10 weeks old. It was hard. So hard in fact, I decided only after a month to go back part-time. It's definitely a pay cut, but I only work tuesday, wednesday and thursdays and it's so much nicer having 4 whole days off with him. Plus, it helped with the whole breastfeeding thing too. It's hard, but you definitely get used to it and every moment you come home it's even more awesome. I suggest, if you guys can work out a budget, go part time. I really enjoy working and being with him the way it's going now. You just have to cut corners, but it's totally doable.

Answer 3

For financial reasons, I had to go back to work. My husband makes more money, but his benefits are the pits and mine are awesome, so there was no choice but to return for the health coverage alone.

I went back when my son was 6 weeks old, but I opted for shortened days, a job sharing type of situation where I can work for 6 hour days most of the time, and longer hours a couple of days a week. It's hard to go back and virtually everyone with my company does return after giving birth, but I know of no one who truly wanted to. My heart broke every time I had to leave in the morning, and it still does, but for the sake of the stability of our finances, I know I have to go. Know that it will be hard and prepare yourself, but as he gets older he will be staying up later so you will have more time with him. Cherish what time you do have and make sure you use the time you have together for the important things : bath time, reading together, playing games - make the time he spends with you the best time of the day.

One thing we were able to do that works great if you are able to be flexible with schedules : my husband changed his hours and works 11:30 - 8pm. I work 7:30 - 1:30 most of the time. This leaves only two and a half hours that our son isn't in our care and during those couple of hours we have one of our mothers stay with him. That way we know he's in safe hands in the care of someone we completely trust.

Answer 4

unfortunatly i went back when he was only 4 weeks old...only because i made more money then boyfriend and he works from home...so he is the stay at home daddy and im the working mom.... it works out ok..but it is reallly reallly hard to leave everymorning!!! it was really hard the first day i thought something would go wrong... but it makes me not feel so bad since he is home with daddy instead of at some daycare sitting around crying allday...
good lucK!

Answer 5

If you are not the main bread-winner and don't need health insurance with your job, how about becoming a nanny? That is what I did and I was able to take my son with me.