When do / did you go back to work?

LienLa · June 2012

I got back July 9 when my mat leave runs out. I'm totally dreading leaving him everyday... I can totally see me within the first week sitting in the locker room crying.

katie4253 · June 2012

I'd say you are VERY lucky. People in the US don't get a year of maternity leave. You take time off without pay (usually). I took 7 months. But, it was a huge financial burden. If I wouldn't have had a preemie I would have taken 8-12 weeks.

dairygirl19 · June 2012

Awww...it's hard no matter what you do.

I'm in a bit more of a unique situation. I teach part-time and run a dairy farm with H the rest. So a good share of the time I can work and be home with her.

I waited until Christmas to go back to school. Honestly, though I should've gone/would've been okay going back about Thanksgiving or even Halloween. I love my kid to pieces but I really missed school and the world of academic conversation. That sounds way more horrible than it really is.

I went back to dairy farming about two weeks in (just light duty stuff). I'm a busybody by nature and this hanging out in the house was getting to me. big time. I didn't really go back hardcore until about October. Would've been sooner but we had the hottest summer on record in like the last 100 years. It wasn't safe for my post-partum state or baby. I also had a hip injury that made physical labor hard for awhile.

I just really like my jobs and interaction I guess..and I feel like I'm a better Mom as a result and Rubes is a better kid because of daycare.

AsOctoberFalls · June 2012

I went back when DS was 11 weeks or so.

lachulavista · June 2012

I went back at 8 weeks. I had to wait until then so he could get his first round of shots, they wouldnt accept him without them.

AmandaP678 · June 2012

I havent decided when I'll go back. I fully intended on going back after Tim was born, but then he had a slew of of medical issues and doctor appointments and hospital stay that just made it so much more difficult to deal with work. I then planned on going back when he was 1 and then I got pregnant again/

jlsimon56 · June 2012

My company gives 5 weeks at partial pay. So I've been back to work for awhile. I would love to have had more time at home with LO. Daycare costs suck.

Mason&Mama · June 2012

I was lucky enough to make it six months with LO. It took a lot of planning and major saving ahead of time. With LO #2, I will probably be back part-time (maybe just 12 hours a week) at 6 weeks post-partum. I am hoping to make it until at least 8 weeks, but my cost of living has greatly increased since we moved. I also don't get a single dollar of leave/sick time/vacation time because I am now per diem without benefits. Every cent all have to be saved over the next 6 months.

katiewhompus · June 2012

I went back at 7 weeks.

I won't lie. I get slightly, selfishly, bitter when my Canadian friends talk about how horrible it is that they have to go back after "only" a year off with their baby.

jmo866 · June 2012

katiewhompus:
I went back at 7 weeks.

I won't lie. I get slightly, selfishly, bitter when my Canadian friends talk about how horrible it is that they have to go back after "only" a year off with their baby.

I completely get that, I always say to my American friends, most who I've met here, that I don't know how you guys did/ do it! Sleep deprivation, constant crying and feedings and having to get up every day, shower, look presentable, not pass out at your work station etc. from 7 weeks! I really think it's terrible they don't support mothers more there.

Back to OP, I go back in Sept. because I teach, so of course can't go back right when he turns 1. I know I have had friends here who found it difficult going back after 1 year, but I think then some would feel that after 5 years, if they really wanted to stay home, just finding it really hard to leave LO. I admit, we are extremely fortunate here, but I do look forward to getting back to my kids and my school. I'm sure it will be hard at first, but I really want to get back to it personally.

genekelly · June 2012

I took 6 mo. 8 wks were paid, 3 wks were vacation and the rest was unpaid. I am glad I had that much time. It was hard to go back but we need health coverage and DH is a SAHD.

LyndseyLC · June 2012

I went back to school when she was 5 weeks and start work work within the next couple weeks. In laws have been watching her so I am now looking for daycare. going to be sad leaving her at daycare but it is for the best for her, she needs to learn to socialize with other babies

MillerMadness · June 2012

the simple answer... never

LienLa · June 2012

I'm definitely not complaining, I feel very fortunate to live in a place that we get a whole year, I'm just dreading leaving him after having a whole year with him. I'm looking forward to having adult conversation again every day tho. I just know I'm going to feel bad leaving him every single day. I definitely have respect for those of you that have had to go back like 6-8 weeks after. I really think that's unfair to you. Thankfully, no matter when I go back, I don't have to look presentable. I could go to work in pajamas no problem because I'm in coveralls and a hard hat all day, I don't even have to do my hair except a pony tail. Makeup would be pointless because it would be smeared in the first hour lol. So at least if I do end up bawling one day no one will notice

any tips on how to prepare myself, quite frankly I know my son will be okay with all of his friends lol. At least that's what I keep telling myself...

JessandIgli · June 2012

6 weeks. But I'm about to have 3 months off with DD for the summer. I will enjoy it!

boogerbearoriginal · June 2012

I went back at 11 weeks.

It will be an adjustment, but the anticipation was worse than going back. After a few days/weeks it just became life. If that makes any sense. There are still days that I get sad about leaving LO, but all in all it's ok.

Amitchell0626 · June 2012

I went back at 8 weeks but could've taken a year. I hate being home. DH took the rest of the leave so he was home with her for 8 months.

Want a personalized experience?

When do / did you go back to work?

Re: When do / did you go back to work?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards