If you’ve read Returning to Work After Maternity, Part I, you’ll know how I changed my career after having our daughter.
I started a career in care, and absolutely loved it. I knew I wanted to return to the same job, no questions asked. I will tell you something for nothing, it was a lot harder being pregnant and working as a carer, than it was in an office environment! This was mostly the reason I started my maternity leave earlier than I did with our daughter. Starting my mat leave earlier also meant I had two months with our daughter before baby came along. Those months were fab (if a little exhausting!)
So, I would be due back to work when our baby boy was about 7 months.
I felt so anxious about returning to work. I worried that there would be new staff, and although I’m an outgoing person, meeting people, especially in a work setting (working 13 hours with the same person), there feels a lot of pressure to get on with them. I worried too that they wouldn’t be able to accommodate my requests for the days I can work with childcare. And then I worried that my role may have changed while I’d been away. I had a million other worries too, these are just the big ones!
I shouldn’t have worried – the team is almost exactly the same as when I left, and they’ve been fantastic with my hours.
My first day back was so lovely – I remembered why I love my job so much, I remembered how rewarding it is. I have fab work colleagues, and it was exactly like I’d never been away. I can’t put into words the emotions I felt after my first shift back. I missed the kids, missed them loads, but they were having fun with Daddy. I think it’s important for them to have quality time with their Daddy. I had time to have a hot coffee, and adult conversations with colleagues and residents.
It is hard work balancing work, getting kids stuff ready the night before and coming home to a house full of housework, not to mention the 5.30am alarm! But, it keeps me busy! I wouldn’t have it any other way (throw into the mix keeping up to date with my blog – probably why I’ve been a bit quieter this month!)
It’s good to be back in work! And after 9 months of statutory maternity pay, I’m looking forward to my first months pay!
Big love, JB xxx
Love this blog jen! Especially your return to work! Those morning coffee breaks when you guys come in are muchly needed by us night staff! ♥