'Conflicted' mum considers giving up £70k job as maternity leave comes to an end
Although it would mean a "big financial hit," she was "struggling to see the benefits" of returning to work when her maternity leave ended.
Despite having childcare arrangements "in place", she was loving the idea of being around her kids more.
READ MORE: Judge tells lying mum 'your decision to fall pregnant was silly'
Taking to Mumsnet to share her dilemma, she said: "This is my second mat leave with my baby. My older child is 4 years old and starting school next year.
"I love spending time with both of them. However, my older child is in preschool term time only.
"My maternity leave is coming to an end soon, and I am feeling so conflicted about going back, though I was always clear that I'd go back.
"I got this job after working for 15 years and it's a good role for my future and career path.
"I will also be finishing a degree from work soon when I go back and it will be helpful for my career.
"But, at this point, I am struggling to see all these benefits when I think about going back to work."
The mum continued: "I love the convenience of being at home around kids and picking them up from preschool, taking them to parks etc.
"Husband works full time and doesn't take much time off due to being self-employed.
"I am on £70k, hence giving up my job would mean a big financial hit.
"Baby would be going to a childminder who is 5 mins walk from our home, so she won't be far.
"I am feeling very conflicted still despite having all arrangements in place. Any advice is appreciated."
One supportive comment read: "It's really hard. I actually found returning from second mat leave even harder than first time round.
"Could you explore flexible working requests/or part-time at all? That might make the balance feel more appropriate."
The mum replied: "I will be going back to only 2 days a week for couple of months.
"And I can work flexibly. Still, finding it bit hard to think about going back."
A second forum user added: "Going back to work was definitely the hardest thing for me, and I still don't have the balance down yet (house work has definitely been taking a hit)."
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