Thinking of finishing work.

[Niag]

Hi everyone.

We will shortly be starting our 4th attempt (2fresh 1FET). Our last attempt resulted in miscarriage at 7 weeks

During my last attempt I was signed off work for almost 6 weeks, which was a big relief. My clinic is almost 2 hours away and not having the stress of tying to get time off for scans and catch ups, I felt a lot more relaxed and at ease compared to previous attempts when I still worked full time. I was a little worried I'd be bored but I spent a lot of time with family and friends and it flew by. It resulted in my first pregnancy, but sadly lost the baby at 7 weeks (2 weeks after returning to work)

I'm now seriously considering finishing work all together to try and make the most of the last few attempts we may have. My career has very much been on a standstill for 4 years while going through various treatment cycles and operations and I'm there's not much progression available where I am. I'm scared I will end up with no job and no baby.

Sorry to ramble on, just wondering what the best thing is to do and if anyone else has done something similar.

Thank u xx

[lianm8]

Hi Niag. I think you have to go with your heart and do what you feel you need to do. I also considered giving up work completely while we tried and if you are able too money wise why not give it a go?? Have you discussed with your partner is he happy for you too?? Xx

[Maria-Louisa]

Hello Niag, you're situation sounds so similar to mine! My clinic is 2 hrs away, we're on our 5th go and I am currently on sick leave. A year ago I went down to 2 days a week because I was stressed out and unhappy. I think it's helped a bit and don't regret it but a year on and we have run out of money for treatment (current cycle worked, we're 6 weeks but my beta levels aren't very high). I've also been TTC for just over 4 years and I feel like my life in every way has been on hold, I don't have a career and nothing has changed in that time. I feel like the only thing that will help is either if we have a baby or decide to move on to adoption or no children. I'm not sure if that helps but good idea to go with your gut xxxx

[72cloud9]

Hi I left my stressful job last year after a miscarriage the year before.i have now become a self employed dog sitter.the removal of work stress has really helped me overall but I still didn't fall pregnant as I had hoped, nor did my IVF work. I do however have old age & low AMH against me!! I would say if you can afford it and your job isn't your dream, take a break!! Why not? My theory was if I ended up with no baby, I didn't want to be stuck in a 60-70 hour a week job where I was miserable, I wanted to be doing something I loved!! Financially I'm much worse off but still couldn't be happier I made the decision. If I was dealing with the stress of IVF and my old job, I don't think I could cope. If my wish for a baby doesn't happen at least I have a career now that means something & that I can build on. I know I feel better in myself and feeling good is half the battle to pregnancy so I say, go for it!!xxx

[Georgina78]

Hi Niag

I took redundancy last year, redundancies were being made, it was a very stressful job with a lot of responsibility that I had had enough of really anyway and I knew IVF was on the horizon and was already concerned about how I'd manage all of it whilst in that job.

Anyway, at first it was great, I enjoyed meeting up with friends, not having to commute etc and it was certainly less stressful getting to all the appointments without having to tell a boss and clear it all with them. The only thing I found is that it was very hard to go through IVF with nothing else to focus on & distract me, I also struggled with feeling useless & bored after a job where there was never a dull moment! I had some pretty low days during my first cycle, however since then (it was a bfn and now in the middle of a fet) I started volunteering and it's been a godsend for me. It's a great way to keep busy, feel useful, be social, help others and have your mind on something else!

This is just me of course, but if your gut feeling is not working will make things easier for you and you can afford it then definitely do it. But if you find yourself feeling fed up or needing something to do, I'd definitely recommend volunteering in a field that interests you. Lots of luck xx

[Hollibob]

What about a career break?

[Imbi]

Hi Niag, I am on a similar journey based north wales. Did you set up a support group locally? X