Going back to work :(

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Sadly, my time as a SAHM has come to an end!  I'm thankful that I got to do it for almost 7 months, but I received a job offer from a company who had received a recommendation of me from a former colleague and I just couldn't turn it down.  They're so small, super family-friendly, and very flexible.

And to be honest, if we ever want to adopt again (which we do), I need to be making something and putting it into savings.  So, on Monday, I am going back to work.

We've found someone wonderful to watch Miss P, and I am just hoping that we all adjust well and quickly!  It will be tough on me and DH regardless, because i haven't worked in an office in 3.5 years (I was home-based for 3 years)!  If you have any tips, I would love to hear them.  I'm nervous about remembering to pack everything in the diaper bag and getting out the door on time and making sure I'm not covered in dog hair/drool/spit up. 

Art Teacher

I just wanted to wish you luck; I'll be going back to work teaching in Sept.  It's hard - I love being home with Zoe - but we need to save money for the next adoption, too.

Congratulations on the job offer!  That's wonderful

I'm interested to hear others' tips!!

JOEBunny

Just wanted to say you can do it. Miss P.  will be fine.  Enjoy her as much as you can, farm out as much junk as you can, and make the most of the time you have.  Hugs. 

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JOEBunny:

Just wanted to say you can do it. Miss P.  will be fine.  Enjoy her as much as you can, farm out as much junk as you can, and make the most of the time you have.  Hugs. 

Right?  I'm totally going to pay some college girl to do our laundry!

hersheykiss

My only comment is Good Luck, and do not feel guilty if you need to call and check up on her a thousand times a day. DCPs are used to it, and I promise you it won't be bothersome.

You might be surprised how resilient babies are. I know the first week was harder on me and DH then it was for Emmalee. She hates leaving DCP now. I come in the room and she gets all excited to see me and then turns around and keeps playing.

Go_Dawgs

Aw, I'm sorry.  It's so awesome that you got to stay at home as long as you did, though.  If it makes you feel any better, all we could afford for me to take off is four weeks.  Good luck with your new job!

goro28

For me, dinners were the hardest part.  Crockpots are wonderful since you can just set them and go.  Also, do as much prep work the night before.  At Theo's first daycare, we had to send all his food, so I prepared the diaper bag and his bottles/food while DH put him to sleep.  Also, get yours and her outfits ready the night before too.  Since DH and I carpooled together, we tag teamed in the morning.  He'd feed the bottle while I showered, and then I got Theo dressed while he showered. 

PSU-NCBride

Yes, dinners are the hardest for me. I got to stay home with H for 3 months and then worked part time from home for a few before going back full time. I don't get ANY maternity leave with this adoption and am using all my vacation to be able to travel for ICPC and spend a week home with her. It's killing me. At first I felt guilty but the reality is that there was no way we could pay for her adoption without it. 

We forget something in his diaper bag all the time. It happens. Life goes on. He comes home in other kids clothes and the make do!

My biggest advice is that you aren't superwoman and to accept that. We have someone that comes in to clean the house and I've started cooking on Sundays or getting more prepared stuff from Trader Joe's. Good luck! 

jehnm

I hope the transition is smooth for everyone and the adjustment period is short.   I can only imagine how hard going back to work is!! 

sh4602

aww it will take sometime but you all will adjust i am worried about sept for v.. he will be in a 2 year old preschool.. we  had grandparents watching him since he was 2 months old so i was not worried about going back to work full time.

mrsdrkwaver

Good luck you will make it. When this baby comes home to us I get 8 weeks maternity but then i have to go back so that we can afford the second one. I really dont want to. I sure hope I can stay home after number 2 comes home. 

crystalpopcorn

I'm sorry that you have to go back, but congrats on the job offer!  I've returned to work from leave twice now, and it is very hard.  Do whatever you can to make your life easier and reduce stress.  Hire a housekeeper if you can, for example.  You are right that this will be a big adjustment, but you guys will find your groove in no time.  Good luck!

mcmann05

Good luck! First week will be the hardest (at least that's what I hear). 

kmkaull2

Oh goodness, it is a big transition. I'm a teachers and was home for 7.5 months.  I did hire a college girl to walk our dogs and clean once a week.  Dinners--well, I started out great with the slow cooker, but now I'm just scraping meals together to get through the school year. 

Tips: put baby's clothes in a bin--5 outfits for the week.  Either send in on Monday if your provider allows, or at least you'll have them ready to grab & go.  Pack everything the night before.  I've sent all food, so I bought a little bin for the fridge to help organize.  We send Quinn in his pajamas and our sitter changes him after his first nap.  That saves us some time. 

Honestly, I missed being a mommy very much.  Though I really like our sitter and I do like the socialization at work, it has been a tough transition for me.  I'm doing a job share next year and working just 2 days a week.  Good luck!

 

Honestly, I tried to be very positive but it was hard for me.  I was just so in love with being a mommy.

foundmylazybum

Oh my! well I will offer my congratulations on getting a job and getting back in there B! You are amazing and if anyone can succeed--it's you! 

Aside from having advice about going from a SAHM--which I'm sorry I don't have any ::shrugs:: (kick butt?)

I would say--Make sure you give yourself enough time in the morning! If you *think* you need to get up at 6:30--get up at 6! Going back to school I learned that you always end up needing more time than you think! So just plan for 30 min extra--extra for hugs and snuggles with P, extra for a more relaxing shower or time to do your makeup or extra for that *emergency* you weren't planning!

 And--don't be afraid of the take-out menu's in your area  

 

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Thanks so much ladies!

FMLB, our menu this week is pretty ridiculous.  LOTS of PB&J and take out!  Super romantic anniversary week. 

joeandkristie

Congrats on the new job but I understand about leaving P.  All the ladies gave you great advice and I follow most getting my three together.  We always lay out clothes at night and I get J's bag ready the night before.  Thankfully (during the week anyways) my kids are early risers so they are up and ready to get dressed without much fuss.  I am slowly starting to realize that I can't keep up with all the house though and we are starting to look for someone to farm stuff out to.  Good luck I know you will adjust fine!

CaptainSerious

Oh, Mrs.B., I know you'll do great!  Remember, if you get any free time, we're hear to listen to you unload about how tough it is as you start back.  I know it's got to be so tough to leave your precious daughter, but think about what a big smile she'll have for you at the end of the day!

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Okay, it really sucked.  And not just b/c I had to leave P.

I don't think they were at all honest with me in negotiations.  They're not very flexible and family-friendly (at least according to my definition).  They do not allow cell phone usage -- text messaging is grounds for immediate dismissal.  They don't allow personal phone calls unless it's an emergency.  No internet usage.  And no personal emails in work email (they literally share email boxes).

I can't call the sitter to check on Payton just because.  I can't send my husband an email asking him what he wants for dinner or just how his day is.  I totally understand people abuse those technology privileges, but it seems totally extreme to me -- the guy told me this morning they've considered a policy to have employee "check in" their cellphones if they bring one to work.  WTF?

I'm really disappointed and sad.  Does anyone else work in a similar environment?  I'm hoping I'm just over-reacting and it will be fine.

Go_Dawgs

MrsB2007:

Okay, it really sucked.  And not just b/c I had to leave P.

I don't think they were at all honest with me in negotiations.  They're not very flexible and family-friendly (at least according to my definition).  They do not allow cell phone usage -- text messaging is grounds for immediate dismissal.  They don't allow personal phone calls unless it's an emergency.  No internet usage.  And no personal emails in work email (they literally share email boxes).

I can't call the sitter to check on Payton just because.  I can't send my husband an email asking him what he wants for dinner or just how his day is.  I totally understand people abuse those technology privileges, but it seems totally extreme to me -- the guy told me this morning they've considered a policy to have employee "check in" their cellphones if they bring one to work.  WTF?

I'm really disappointed and sad.  Does anyone else work in a similar environment?  I'm hoping I'm just over-reacting and it will be fine.

I am so sorry.  I think this policy is CRAZY and you are not overreacting. I've had quite a few jobs and have never heard of a policy like this, especially with a desk job.   I can't imagine not being able to make quick phone calls or at least send a text or email at work.  What a disappointment.