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November 2013 Moms
tatithomas
member
1st week back at work
tatithomas
member
Well today concludes my first week back at work and I thought I would share for all of you who are still anticipating your return. It definitely had its ups and downs, as can be expected.
First my situation - I work M-F, 9-5. We drive to work and with traffic the commute can vary from 1 to 1.5 hours each way. We leave home at 7, with DS, drop him off at MIL mid-way through the commute, pick him up after work, drive home and are usually home around 7-7:30.
First let me say I am grateful that DS is being cared for by a loving family member. I had my reservations (still do a bit) about MIL watching him, but to be completely honest they are mostly driven by jealousy that she gets more time with him than I do and I know it's something I have to get over.
So the first day was hell. I cried leaving the house, I cried in the car, I cried dropping him off, I cried at work whenever anyone asked me about him (even my boss - awkward!). But the day went fast. I caught up with coworkers mostly - and spent a little time bumping
Picking him up was mixed. I think I had convinced myself it would be this grand reunion where he would reach out to me lovingly with a big smile (he is 3 months). That was not the case. When I took him from her he craned his head to look back at her as if *I* was the stranger. When I fed him (one feeding there before we hit the road again), he was very distracted and looking at everyone and everything BUT me (he usually makes good eye contact while I feed). I will admit this broke my heart a bit.
The rest of the week slowly improved. The reunion feedings are getting a little bit better and I imagine as he gets used to the new environment they will continue to improve (I hope!). I'm curious to see how things progress as we continue. I'm definitely counting down the days till I'm able to take a couple days off though!!
All in all, I would say I agree with everyone who says the anticipation is worse than the reality. Sure, I still get teary when I leave him in the morning, but I haven't been NEARLY as miserable or depressed as I thought I might - AND I'm not even all that fond of my job to boot. I just keep telling myself I am doing this for him, as his mother, so he can have food, shelter, and happiness. Admittedly, though, if DH ever gets a raise big enough to support the household, I would consider staying home!
One more piece of advice - try your best to ignore the eyerolls of those handful of co-workers who will now give you the stink eye when you run out of the office at 5pm on the dot. Just focus on your work and getting home to your baby! There will inevitably be some haters!
First my situation - I work M-F, 9-5. We drive to work and with traffic the commute can vary from 1 to 1.5 hours each way. We leave home at 7, with DS, drop him off at MIL mid-way through the commute, pick him up after work, drive home and are usually home around 7-7:30.
First let me say I am grateful that DS is being cared for by a loving family member. I had my reservations (still do a bit) about MIL watching him, but to be completely honest they are mostly driven by jealousy that she gets more time with him than I do and I know it's something I have to get over.
So the first day was hell. I cried leaving the house, I cried in the car, I cried dropping him off, I cried at work whenever anyone asked me about him (even my boss - awkward!). But the day went fast. I caught up with coworkers mostly - and spent a little time bumping
Picking him up was mixed. I think I had convinced myself it would be this grand reunion where he would reach out to me lovingly with a big smile (he is 3 months). That was not the case. When I took him from her he craned his head to look back at her as if *I* was the stranger. When I fed him (one feeding there before we hit the road again), he was very distracted and looking at everyone and everything BUT me (he usually makes good eye contact while I feed). I will admit this broke my heart a bit.The rest of the week slowly improved. The reunion feedings are getting a little bit better and I imagine as he gets used to the new environment they will continue to improve (I hope!). I'm curious to see how things progress as we continue. I'm definitely counting down the days till I'm able to take a couple days off though!!
All in all, I would say I agree with everyone who says the anticipation is worse than the reality. Sure, I still get teary when I leave him in the morning, but I haven't been NEARLY as miserable or depressed as I thought I might - AND I'm not even all that fond of my job to boot. I just keep telling myself I am doing this for him, as his mother, so he can have food, shelter, and happiness. Admittedly, though, if DH ever gets a raise big enough to support the household, I would consider staying home!
One more piece of advice - try your best to ignore the eyerolls of those handful of co-workers who will now give you the stink eye when you run out of the office at 5pm on the dot. Just focus on your work and getting home to your baby! There will inevitably be some haters!
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Re: 1st week back at work
@mailmansbabymama I know what you mean!! DH and I are ar the same school and I'm the tech coordinator...people always needed me at the end of the day but now I'm just going to run away as soon as the clock strikes 4pm!!