After months of unlimited bonding, it’s time for me to consider going back to work. So much concern and questions surround the topic, but anxiety trumps it all. Leaving Nuri for the first time seems like torture.
Did you know that in Japan they get 5 YEARS maternity leave? Here in the states, we struggle for a paid 3 months. I think it’s absolutely ridiculous and insensitive. One night away made me nearly have separation anxiety, so 5 days a week of going to a baby-less place of business seems unbearable. I now understand how my boyfriend must feel. For 3 months he’s had to live through pics and 40-second video clips of our baby girl and it still wasn’t enough.
The first year of a babies life is filled with the most adorable developments and milestones and it’s sad that parents have to miss all of it or experience it virtually. Yes, technology is extremely advanced and you can do almost everything minus touching someone (for now), but what is enough when it comes to your baby?
As I prepare, here are some tips on what to do and how to make decisions when it comes to returning to work after maternity leave.
Have The Talk: Sit down with your partner and discuss your leave with one another. Disclose your job’s leave policy, income and financial status (include your bills and monthly budget.) This will help you decide how much time you can afford to put off work and mentally prepare for the big separation.
FMLA: Apply for the family and medical leave act insurance, if you want to secure your job while you stay on leave. Unfortunately, this is unpaid but there is nothing like job security.
Utilize your savings/investments: For those who have put a little something away for a rainy day, maybe you can dip into your stash a little bit so you can prolong your return to work. Be sure to make a pros and cons list to do this. If you will face a penalty for removing funds too soon maybe you should think twice. Life has some unexpected expenses and you want to make sure you are prepared.
Babysitter/Nanny: Now this is the tough part. Finding childcare for your little one for the very first time can be very tough. If you’re lucky you have family or close friends whom you trust to leave your little one with while you return to work or just need time to take care of business. I’d advise someone who has infant experience, doesn’t mind following your “parent rules” or you calling every 2.7 seconds to ask what the baby is doing differently from the last time you called.
Daycare: Some couples may choose to put their little one in daycare and that can be a costly expense. However, if you have peace of mind and can foot the bill, then why not go for it? This may also take a lot of research and you may have to change centers until you get it right, but it’s definitely worth it.
Become a MomBoss: Remote work opportunities can be hard to come, but trust they are out there. With some diligent research and persistence, you may be able to land the perfect gig where you can work from home with your baby for as long as you need to.
Become a Mompreneur: This is easier said than done, especially when your baby has yet to adjust to any sort of schedule. But working for yourself has tons of reward. You can control your income (what you put out, is what you get back), make your own schedule, and you can work from any location you choose.
Going back to work can be a lot to process, but with a lot of planning and research, you can indeed make the best decision for you and your family. The main focus is to ensure your little one is in good hands, so Mom chin up…let’s remind everyone why women are the real superheroes!
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When my youngest was born my wife decided to stay home with her instead of having to go through day care or sitters etc. plus the cost pretty much balanced out. We figured why work to pay someone to watch our newborn. We were in a good spot at the time and she didn’t have to work so we were lucky. 5 years off is crazy! Honestly it seems a bit excessive but I get what they are trying to do. I’ve seen more and more men taking paternity leave as well which was not a thing when my kids were born. I was lucky to begin working from home by the time my second daughter was born so I didn’t miss anything. First steps, school events etc. I know many women struggle with leaving their job, then their child to go back to work. It’s a difficult task to balance. Great tips on getting back to work after maternity leave.
Very good tips to think about for those about to pursue parenthood.
Going back to work after maternity leave is so traumatizing! These are great tips to try and make the transition a bit easier.
I saw my wife going through the struggle of going back to work and feeling guilty about leaving the daughter. However she just started a home day care for a decade and it solved our problems. Great article.
All great tips here! Going back to work from mat. Leave is so so difficult. My kids are 8 and 10 and I remember having to go back to work after being at home with them like it was yesterday. It was so difficult, although, I live in Canada so I was fortunate to have a full year with both of them after their births before I had to go back to work. I didn’t know that Japan gets 5 years of mat leave! That would be amazing!
I am 10 years into parenthood and I am still juggling the work / kids / life equation. Thank you so much for sharing these tips they are super helpful.
My aunt’s maternity leave will soon be over. She actually feels worried in getting back to work. Will share your tips! 🙂
It must have been really difficult for you and for any mother for that matter. Thanks for the tips to cope up.
These are very useful tips. The most difficult part is letting your baby out of sight. My wife was on the phone every 10 minutes checking up on the nanny what’s going on with the baby after returning to work.
And…yes, mothers are the real superheroes.
These are great helps. I love the Mompreneur best, but you’re right that it is hard to accomplish particularly if you don’t start ahead of time. If you are considering children, it might be a great time to start the process toward Mompreneur now.
Right! lol no time like the present.
There is a whole tribe of women who have left the 9-5 drama behind and are killing it as mompreneurs! I never had the chance to do it (the internet was just cutting teeth when I had my child), but I would have jumped at the opportunity. I feel for you, and hope you get an arrangement that works well for your growing family. Congratulations on becoming a mommy, btw!
Finding excellent reliable childcare for your little ones is so critical. I was lucky to be able to stay home with mine or leave them with relatives; however, my daughter has had to find daycare for my grandson. It’s not easy, and it’s so expensive.
It’s is very expensive. Good luck to her. I know how it can be!
I’m always amazed how little family time is given in the US to families with new babies. It’s sad, really. It seems like many moms are going the work from home route these days to keep an income going, which is awesome. I love seeing that.
Me too, it’s like we were left with no choice but it seems to be working great for many.
The United States should get with the program and realize that the beginning and early development stages of childhood are so important. Props to both the stay-at-home and working mommas out there!
Exactly!!! Long overdue.