Author Topic: Should I return to work?  (Read 2093 times)

Cowspot28

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Should I return to work?
« on: March 27, 2018, 03:30:12 PM »
I gave birth late Feb. I planned to return to work early April at 6 weeks post partum.  I just found out we will be moving in June for my husband's work anyway. Does it make sense to return to work for 12 weeks?

I was thinking it would be a nice pad to the stash and may allow us to take a longer sabbatical. My job is fine, and we have a good daycare situation here and that way I could take my time finding a new job.  On the other hand, I am wondering if it will just be too much stress for little pay off. It will be $18000 including tax and childcare costs. We typically spend $45k/year and should be able to lower that with a move so it could fund a few months of no work. Obviously, there is the added stress of 2 full time parents and nightly waking to nurse. I also find it difficult not to think about my work when I am home and stress about it. I think I am ok with leaving baby because I really like the daycare provider, but I do have a bit of mom guilt leaving a little one with someone else when I don't really have to. I also don't feel physically 100% yet, but I'm hoping that will change in another week or so.

I sometimes have trouble differentiating between frugal and cheap. Am I being cheap by attempting to go back to work? Thanks for your insight.

BAM

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2018, 07:21:56 PM »
While I don't know what you're answer will be, I did read something lately that really made sense to me and applies here. It was from the book Essentialiasm. The quote was "if it's not a definite yes, it's a hell no".
Just something to consider.

TrudgingAlong

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2018, 11:06:04 PM »
Money isn't everything. If you'd rather stay home recovering, adjusting to life with a newborn (no small challenge!), and your husband has no objections to address, I'd go for it. There will be plenty of time to search for a new job after the move if working is what you want to do then.

hoping2retire35

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #3 on: March 28, 2018, 07:02:59 AM »
Going back to work before moving could help you adjust to the new location. If you are really stressed about two working parents, childcare, new jobs, locations etc. it could add perspective as to what specifically is causing you stress in the new situation.

mm1970

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #4 on: March 28, 2018, 01:17:02 PM »
Depends on your personality.  Both times I was itching to get back to work.

But working and being up in the night nursing is exhausting.

There's no good answer.  I'd probably go back to work and see if it's working or not.  If not, can always quit.

MrsTuxedocat

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #5 on: March 28, 2018, 08:48:24 PM »
I wouldn't, enjoy the time with your baby.

Cowspot28

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Re: Should I return to work?
« Reply #6 on: March 30, 2018, 09:04:25 AM »
Thanks for the replies. I've decided to take a total of 8 weeks off before returning. My husband and I may also take a short sabbatical between jobs.

 

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