Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Originally I was dead set on taking 3 months off from work, and got it approved. Unfortunately since I've only been with my company for 8 months, I was only entitled to 6 weeks of STD and anything after would be considered Personal Leave either using up my vacation time, or unpaid. I was opting to go for it unpaid because I didn't want to use up all of my v-days. However, once I realized I will be losing out on 4 paychecks, I've decided it may be best for me to go back to work in October. My mom will be here to take care of the baby, and I think it would be the best thing, not only financially, but mentally for me as well. I think I've been suffering from PP.

I know it's only been 4 weeks, but with DH's schedule (midnights) and me having to do everything, I feel like I need to go back to work, not only for financial reasons, but to give myself somewhat of a break.

Don't get me wrong..I LOVE being with DD, and would love nothing more than to stay home with her, but financially it can't be done. Especially because I want to pay off whatever bills we have so that we can move from this godforsaken place already.

Is it wrong of me to feel this way? I'm sure I"ll regret that decision once I go back to work...either way it's a catch 22 situation..

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Well, whatever you decide is the right thing to do for you, then that's the right decision. KWIM? I can't tell you if it's right or wrong, because only you can decide that. Just do what you feel is right and it will work out.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

I'm confused Is your mom going to be taking complete care of the baby? Caring for her all day and your other child and then getting up in the middle of the night for feedings? Don't you think that's going to burn her out also?

I don't think work is a cure for PPD. I would probably speak to your doctor about the issue so it doesn't get worse.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

u may or may not regret it....but im thinking u may in the future, maybe not right now....next year, when u are working every day and not seeing baby all the time and life is getting easier with baby (as it does), youll think, ah, i shouldve just stayed home....

or maybe u wont....i opted to stay home for a YEAR, unpaid, living on one paycheck, and we did it....and i am going back to work next week and dreading it....is taking care of DD full time hard!? OF COURSE! and exhausting...but i dont think me going back to work is going to give me a break....if anything, ill have to come home and be a full time mommy, and it might be even more exhausting....

but, u do what u feel is right...financially speaking, my sister always says-do u have to go back to work to pay the utility bills and your car insurance? or do u have to go back to work to pay for the american express cards and eating out and babies r us and toys...??? i mean, for u, its only 4 weeks- will u really fall behind and be strapped? or will it be fine and it just means no going out to dinner and stuff....?

either way, think hard about your decision....and hopefully u just do what is best for u and DC.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

I went back to work at 8 wks... How old will DD be? I didnt regret going back....

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

I going back to work at 6 weeks bc of the same reason... money. I can't afford not to be paid. I get unlimited maternity-even a year or more if I chose to, but I just can't afford it.

Atleast she will be with your mother!

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

If you decide to go back to work in November of 2012, it will still be too soon.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Posted by Summerrluvv

I'm confused Is your mom going to be taking complete care of the baby? Caring for her all day and your other child and then getting up in the middle of the night for feedings? Don't you think that's going to burn her out also?

I don't think work is a cure for PPD. I would probably speak to your doctor about the issue so it doesn't get worse.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Our children were born at the same time and my original plan was to go back to work December 1st. Part of me wants December 1st to be here already so that I can go back to work, but the other part of me knows that I cannot replace the time I have with my DS right now. I miss work. I also love my son and am thrilled to be with him. Good luck, it is such a difficult decision.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

Posted by Eleanor

Posted by racheeeee

If you decide to go back to work in November of 2012, it will still be too soon.

I agree - you will regret going back early, but you will regret not getting paid as well. There's no clear cut answer, feeling or decision.

Re: Will I regret my decision to go back to work earlier than November?

I had the same dilemma...but I decided to stick to my three months off with the last few weeks unpaid...I think its totally worth it staying home and spending as much time as possible with my son, setting up a routine for him, so that when I do go back, the transition is a little easier...remember, when you go back, you still are going to have to do everything in the house...even more...that never changes. I'd rather sacrifice financially bc you're never going to have that special time off again...unless you quit.