Working nine to five

My mummy’s decision to go back to work.

Dear mummy, one of the questions you get asked a lot from other parents is why you chose to go back to work after you had me.

I often ask this question myself too, why would anyone want to leave sweet ol’ me?

Your decision has been an easy one to make, which is probably surprising to hear for a lot of parents. You love your work.

You are a graphic designer and have a huge passion for what you do, yes you could probably work from home freelance, but you love the buzz of the studio and get on really well with your colleagues. I know you would go stir crazy at home trying to entertain me and keep me fulfilled all the time. It’s important that parents have their own space and don’t lose their identities. In addition both mummy and I also have the love and support of my daddy, who also works full time.

The nice thing about going back to work is that you keep your foot in the door, as well. Flexible working is increasing in the workplace and it’s common for parents to come back to work after having a child on a part-time or flexible working contract. My mummy works compressed hours, which means that she works full-time hours (5days) in 4 days. It means the days are very long, but she gets to have every Monday off with me so we can spend long weekends together. You want to get the work life balance right, and I think you are there. 3 full days with my family and 4 days in nursery. The great thing about nursery is that I get to interact with other kids, adults and get to explore the big wide world on my own. I’ve become more independent, social and less clingy. I’ve made new friends and learnt new things. On the flip side my mummy has also learnt new things and made new friends while she’s at work. There is no break in her career CV and she is earning her own money to spend on me and help contribute to household bills. Nursery can be expensive and a lot of her salary goes on nursery fees, but the experiences and education far outway that.

She picks me up from nursery and we’re both babbling away sharing our days. The only downside is that my mummy doesn’t get to see the small things that make up my day, and sometimes she feels she is missing out. Nursery is very good with filling in the gaps with a diary and photos of me.

I don’t think a SAHM (stay at home mum) lifestyle is on the cards for my mummy and right now our family/work time balance is just right. She even has time to blog about our adventures too http://www.dearmummyblog.com

Going back to work can be hard and daunting, and it’s nice to spend all your time with your children, however some parents don’t have a choice and need to earn money to help their families. Would my mummy go back in time and not go back to work? No. She’s made the best choice for me, her family and her.

Bella x