Going back to work-opinion?

AmyG2b · October 2011

I keep putting off going back to work because I'm afraid. I didn't feel physically up to it until recently, because of the c section, but now it's pretty much a mental thing. I know I'm building it up to be bigger than it is, but I'm anxious about it. I'm an elementary school teacher, and I feel like it's going to be demanding, and I want to make sure I can do an ok job when I return. The kids and parents have been told, and my staff has been really supportive, which is a good thing. Everyone keeps saying it might be a nice change of pace, since I've been sitting around the house for a while now. Right now I'm thinking of returning November 16th, and that would be about a 9 week leave...I'm curious to hear what you think based on your experience, and if you feel I'm overreacting.

karebear57 · October 2011

I'm going back this coming wed. the 26th. I work as a PCT (basically nurses aide) at a hospital. I wanted to wait an extra week but have to go back, money issues. I had my stillbirth 3wks ago on the 8th. I don't think you're overreacting. I kind of drew out my return date bc I kind of don't want to go back. I delivered at the same hospital where I work and I sometimes work down there. I'm sorry for your loss of your baby. You'll want to go back soon tho you'd be sick of being stuck at home all the time and you run out of things to clean!

Auki13 · October 2011

My husband is a teacher and we had Annabelle mid July, so he had approximately 5 weeks before he had to go back to work. I know that it's different with him being a man and whatnot but he did have a difficult time going back because the kids all wanted to know about the baby, there are 3 teachers who either just had or are having babies, and he was home with us all summer. So he had a pretty difficult time going back. The transition was difficult because nobody knew what to say to him, and he had a difficult time with the fact that they all ignored the situation. (I would say he is definitely more sensitive than the average guy.) The first few days were extremely rough, but then they got easier and now I know he's happy to be busy with the kids and able to focus on other things. I'm not sure if this helps you at all, but I just wanted to share since he is a teacher as well. As for me, I lost my nanny position right before the summer and had to find a new one, so I didn't begin working again until mid September (so that gave me appx 8 weeks). I was a nervous mess at first but was glad to have something to do and little people who kept my mind off Annabelle. Good luck with whatever you decide (HUGS).

hewinked · October 2011

I stay home with my daughter, so I'm not much help, but I don't think you're overreacting. My DH went back about 3 weeks after Adam died. His work knew and most of them attended the funeral, but I remember telling him that there was no way I could have gone back. I didn't wanna be around anyone or face the real world. He said it was definitely hard, but was also a good distraction. Good luck in your decision. (((hugs)))

LoveOfMikesLife · October 2011

I took 8 weeks. I was planning on taking the full 12 but decided to not return to my job and just find a new one.

niknak1128 · October 2011

You are not over reacting. I had a very hard time going back. Partly because my water broke when I was there and it was alot to face. Partly because I work in disability management are our claim load is so high and it's very fast paced and very demanding and I wasn't sure if I could handle it. I went back 4 hours/day for one week and I've been back full time for 3 weeks. It's still hard. I still have a hard time focusing some days. I feel like this experience magnified everything else in my life. Everything hurts more, feels more overwhelming etc. I'm easily frustrated, easily angry, easily sad, easily overwhelmed.. or at least a lot easier than I used to be. I'm having trouble with work. I do ok for the most part but my heart just isn't in it right now. I just have a hard time keeping it as a priority because of everything else on my mind.

Carolee · October 2011

I'm an elementary teacher also, and I think I was out for about 6 weeks. I had a lot of anxiety leading up to returning to work, but I actually think that going back ended up being a good thing for me. It got me back into my normal routine and got me out of the house. I don't think you're overreacting - only you will know when it's really right for you to return. (((HUGS)))

Nesting.Away · October 2011

I teach Jr High and have been in my building for 8 years. I took 5 weeks. My co-worker next door was pregnant and due just 5 weeks before us. Basically I came back when she went on leave.

My students were wonderful. They had started a FB page for Sophia and wanted to be there for me. They even donated their own money to name a star for her. Honestly, I had angels for the next 4 weeks of school. It was terrifying going back, but it was good for me. Got me out and doing what I love again. I will never forget that group of students because of all the love they gave me when I needed it most.

We will be here for you. (hugs)

pb127 · October 2011

I went back to work after about 6 weeks and I felt better, but I also flt like I was ready for it. It gave me a chance to spend some time outside of my head and let me focus on something else for a little while each day. I think you should go back when you feel you are up to it, don't rush yourself.

mdluv21 · October 2011

I went back after 9 days. I couldn't stand being home. I am glad I did, but I know that is not the right choice for everyone.

I hope you have a smooth transition back when you are ready.

Mjmksb04 · October 2011

I went back after losing my DD after 8 weeks. It was hard, but in some ways it was nice to adjust to my new sense of normal. Everyone was very understanding that I might have *bad* days and might not be myself right away.

magdalina.h · October 2011

I was ready to go back at 5w. I needed to get out of the house. I went in for a visit the week before to get the awkward aww's out of the way. The first few days were miserable. Then things started to get better and was a nice distraction. Aidan was never off my mind, but I wasn't staring off into space with grief and guilt at work.

drvst8 · October 2011

I went back to work today I took 3 weeks off. I just couldn't sit at home anymore. And I have to admit it acutally went better than I thought it would. Everyone was very supportive. I had my moments but overall I think it did help.

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