I'm doing it!

flockofmoosen3

I have officially made the decision to go back to work part - time in January! I have been a SAHM with vague plans to possibly return at some point and I love being with baby girl all the time. But I was missing the challenge that work provides and it's a way for me to feel like I'm contributing again.

In some ways I think that day care will be really beneficial to baby girl. We are super lucky that she gets to go to my next door neighbor's day care. She is licensed, affordable, and has an opening in January, when I will start work again. We literally just have to walk across our yard to drop baby girl off and I love it.

I will only need to work three short days a week so I really won't be missing too much baby time.

My husband is having some trouble with the idea and it led to a fight last night but as long as he doesn't catastrophize the situation we'll be good. This is how his mind went: working 18-20 hours per week was working full time and we would never see the baby and the house would go to shit because we won't have time to clean it and we'll never share home cooked meals at the dinner table and then we'll get a divorce. He apologized for his "stupid brain" and we made up at the end of the night.

I think we may still have some anxiety about this but it will be better once we've done it for a little while. And who knows, I told him, I may hate the new role and being away from baby girl and decide to quit forever. I just have to do it or I will continue to agonize over it, wondering what if...

KBowen715

Best of luck! You're right- you have to try. Part time work is the best of both worlds IMO.

bridetobe9132013

Congrats on giving it a try

LunaBug924

I went back to work just 2 days a week when DD was 5 months. I was worried that I would miss her too much, or that I wouldn't have time to take care of the house, etc. I have to say that it has been the best decision I've made. I'm lucky that my mom and MIL are the ones watching her, and they come to my house. It's just enough time for me to have an identity outside the house and give DD some quality time with her grandmas.

Good luck to you. I'm sure your DH will comeaaround to the idea.

yvanehtnioj

It has been statistically proven that moms who work part time tend to be the happiest (vs. full time & SAHM). So congratulations!

flockofmoosen3

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I'm pretty excited to do it. I'll let you guys know how it works out (obviously). I'm also glad that I'll be able to see my work friends more regularly again. I miss them.

apinkpelican

Best of luck! I think I part time would be ideal!

Nikkipal82

Best of luck to you! I alternate 12 hr shifts 2 days per week or 3 days per week. It actually works out to an average of 30hrs per week, so not so part time, but it allows me to be home with DD 4-5 days per week. The days I work are long, but it helps me balance my life a lot better. I worked hard to become a nurse, and it's a big part of who I am. I also have a "work family" that is very important to me, and a big part of my social life. However, so many days home with DD gives me a lot of time to spend with her one on one. I hope everything goes well for you.

ns1

Best wishes, and hopefully your husband comes around to the idea!

ho11yday

Congratulations!