Going back to work..

[Mango401]

Hello! Well my little Nathan is now a month old, how time flies! I am currently unemployed but a job has responded to me which I applied for months ago saying I have progressed to the interview stage. Hours are negotiable in the job. It is my dream job and I am amazed I got an interview! Of course I haven't got the job, but on the basis if I did, it would mean I would have to leave little one for a couple days a week. I just feel leaving him at just over a month old is too young! But I do feel my other half is kind of pushing me to work, we are comfy enough for money but as everyone on here knows, babies are quite expensive! Especially when you are onto formula and no longer feeding AND have a very hungry baby!! So the extra income would help. But I just feel it may be too soon ? And I feel that some of my family may judge me for it! How soon did any other mums go back to work?xx

[Hidden]

Hey congratulations on getting the interview!! And I feel your pain about the cost of milk for a hungry mite!!

I personally am aiming to work part time as I need to as soon as maternity allowance stops in March but only evening or weekend work as I want to be home with James and don't want to pay out for childcare. However, that's just my choice. You shouldn't worry what other may think. If you feel it's too soon then maybe it is. If you don't think that then it's what works for you dream jobs are hard to come by xx

[Hidden]

I haven't gone bk yet but will b at end of march...is there anyway u cud ask if they cud hold ur place if u got the job for a couple of months. Ur the only one who cud make the decision but I wudnt of been able to leave my son tht early. .I was just getting myself into a kind of routine. X

[Hidden]

Go for the interview with questions about when they want you to start, can they be flexible. If it really is your dream job it's worth going to the interview at least, you can always turn them down if they won't be flexible or you really don't feel ready. I know personally I wasn't ready to go back so soon, but everyone is different and I know people who have gone back after 6 weeks, so it's not unheard of.

Another consideration: Do you have someone who would be able to look after your little one? Nurseries don't usually take them until they are 3 months.

[Hidden]

If this is your dream job I would def go for the interview or you'll be tormenting yourself for years to cone about what could have been. I would wait until they offer you the job before you ask ANY questions about job flexibility and child are etc...unless the specifically ask you about it (which they shouldnt). You want to ensure you get a fair interview.

If they really want you for the job then you can start negotiating/asking for flexibility.

Good point by Mango401 about child care though?

I would wait and see if they offer you the job first before you start to agonise too much - if they won't be flexible to me Thats a good reason to decline their job offer. Hope that helps and good luck if you go for the interview!xx

[Alex1tuck]

Well think of it this way he is a month old already by the te they interview you and process all documentation ect it will take at least another month before you start. So hel be 2m old and a lot if mums go back at 3m after thier full pay has stopped, it all depends on how you feel. When u will b working ect.

After I've had my little one I've got to go back at 4 weeks as I don't get maternity pay because I'm not in a contracted job and we will not manage on my partners wages. However I will be working 2 nights so baby will be with my partner & 2 short days when she will be with my mother one and MIL the other so she will be with family. I know I won't like leaving her so young but otherwise we won't b able to pay bills, and I read a lot where partners feel left out and this way my partner has 2 nights where baby is his responsibility, will give them chance to bond

Make the decision that's right for you don't be pressured by other ppl. X

[Tralala_85]

It's worth thinking about what type of notice period other candidates would have to give as well.... Most employers now expect at least a month now so if you are looking at starting in another month then you probably wouldn't be any different from the competition. I would definitely leave any negotiation about start date until you were offered the post but they are likely to ask your availability for start date without offering so make sure you have an answer.

And like the other ladies have said it has to be down to how you feel. Don't worry too much about family, let's be honest if they aren't judging you for going back to work they will have opinions on something else involving the LO, families always do!

Congratulations on your interview!