Last September, I made the decision to go back to work part time. I had taken about a year off to stay home with my baby. I did work from home for that time, but the hours were limited, and I was able to spend the majority of my time just taking care of him. For the most part, I loved it, but it did get lonely from time to time. When I did decide to go back, I chose to only work 3 days per week. Luckily the organization that I work for was very accommodating and let me do this. So during the week, I have every Monday and Wednesday off. That being said, I do work from time to time at home. My toddler still takes a lengthy nap in the afternoon so that’s not a problem. Every time I think I want to go back to work full time, I change my mind because I really love staying home with my little guy.
One of my favorite days to stay home with him is Monday. Usually it’s over the weekend that I think about going back to work, but then Monday comes and I change my mind. Its just really fun to have another day off to be with him before I start my work week. I’m really looking forward to summer with my toddler. We love to go to the zoo. Mondays are especially quiet and he can run around as much as he likes.
Although I know that part time is not the ideal situation – especially when were trying to have some kind of routine. It’s hard to only go to daycare Tues, Thurs, Frid. However, we’ve made it work and he’s settled in nicely. Happy to be able to be with him and have a life of my own. Best of both worlds. I’m very blessed.
I miss my one day a week that I had at home and often wish I had not gone back to full time. Your routine is that he goes to daycare T,R,F. It’s not like kids go to school on the weekends, so all kids have to adapt to the some days on, some days off routine. If it’s consistent, it’s routine.
Although I miss having a bit more time with the kids, I also know that being home 5 days a week with them would drive me nuts. But I admire the people who have the patience for that and wish I did.
I was okay staying home for a while, but I started to really miss working. For the most part, I’ve gotten over feeling really guilty about it. I only really get pangs of guilt when I show up later than normal to get him.