Going back to work - good points!

I go back to work full time soon after a year off after having DD2. Have failed to find part time work that covers the cost of daycare for two (no nearby grandparents for me to help out).

So - I am not exactly dreading it. I have a new job to go to which sounds like it should be good. But please remind me of the good points of being back in work so I dont feel so rubbish about it! For example:

• the money (obviously)
• being able to wear smart clothes again that are not covered in baby food / vomit / weetbix etc
• sitting in a cafe on my break, ALONE, with a coffee and good book
• the comute (20 mins myself each way to plug into music/read a book

tell me more!

I don't know if these fit you but these are the things I like about going to work.
*Being able to walk somewhere without having to constantly check that you have 2 little shadows following.
*Being able to concentrate on something without having part of you mind constantly going "now where are those kids now, can I hear anything that makes me feel that they are doing something naughty" Then having to go check that they are in the right place.
*Not having to spend the whole day in the kitchen because you are constantly cleaning or getting food.
*Having your house stay tidy for a whole day.
*Talking to people about things that you are trained for rather than about children.
*Not stressing about the incredibly strict budget we are on when I don't work.

stimulation! adult company!! peace and quiet!!

Yeah the coffee breaks and being able to eat peacefully is pretty nice. I enjoyed wearing some trendy clothes for about a month before getting knocked up haha.

A full-time job is SO much easier than looking after kids
After a full day at work I am dying to see my kids
A lunch break where you can eat with both hands and dont have to share your food
Adult conversation
Its much quieter at work
The money

Thats true, I find I so appreciate my kids more after being at work, and that first hug when you get home is so great.

This is great!! I love...

the money
being able to blast my music to and from work!
not having to share what ever I am eating
finishing a cup of coffee while it is still hot!
adult conversation

and I LOVE the reaction when I come home...

AzzaNZ wrote: sbeach wrote: being able to blast my music to and from work! THIS! I love it

Me too :-)

I also second what Alex said about adding some routine and structure to the days.

Also, being recognised for my skills and abilities at work - always nice to have some feedback, even if its just a well done. Better than I get from the 3 year old most days thats for sure!

I envy you! After two weeks back at work, I have realised that I do all the normal things round home, But I still don't get a lunch break as I have to dash away and feed DD, which makes good clothes a no-no and a cafe a pipe dream, I don't get morning tea as I will often have playground duty, I can't have relaxing drive to work because I have the two of them with me until we reach their caregiver, and my conversations all day consist of telling rowdy 11 year olds to be quiet! But the money is good.

Great thread

Where do I start?

- I don't have to clean mashed banana or smeared peanut butter off the carpet/sofa/myself or the child's clothing
- no one follows me to the toilet
- adult conversation
- using my 'work' brain
- I don't have to do lots of washing and dishes
- I get to wear 'work clothes' instead of my standard 'mum uniform' of shorts, t-shirt and hair tied back in a ponytail
- I get to make a financial contribution to the household
- Sitting at a desk is far more relaxing than entertaining an active 18 month old
- I get to eat my lunch in peace
- My little girl gets to do all those really cool crafty things at daycare.
- My little girl gets to interact with other little ones her own age.
- I love looking through my little girl's daycare book and seeing all the cool things she's been doing like playing in the sandpit etc

But having said all that...I love being a mum and I take my hat off to full-time mums everywhere as it's the hardest job in the world!!

Edited by mum1974