Cutting ML short - would I regret this?

[pinotgrig]

I originally planned on taking 12 weeks for ML. 8 weeks are paid through sick time and std, 2 weeks (of my 4 total) of vaca, and 2 weeks unpaid (have option of using some/all remaining vaca time for this, too). Until this week I've not loved ML and have considered going back early.

Last night I looked at a calendar and thought of possibly going back to work 3 days a week in weeks 11 and 12. This would ease me back into work since I don't want to start back on a Monday and work all week. This would also avoid taking 2 weeks unpaid, though we can afford missing this money. In the event I swapped some of the unpaid time for vaca time, it keeps more of that intact too.

Starting this week, though, ML has become more fun. We're getting into a good routine and he's becoming more alert and interactive. Part of me thinks it would be awful to go back a second sooner than I have to, though another part says it's just 3 days a week.

If you were in my shoes, wwyd?

[curbsideprophet]

I would not want to start back in a Monday and have to work an entire week. I would prefer to ease into it.

What are the childcare plans after you return to work? I would also try to keep some leave (paid or unpaid) in case you need to take time off for a sick baby. If your LO is going to daycare there is a good chance they will get sick.

[Deleted]

That is really a personal decision.Some women need to go back to work for their own well-being and would never regret it. I personally wouldn't want to go back early but then again, I'm struggling already with the idea of going back in September. Every situation is different.Do what you feel is right! Going back 3 days a week doesn't seem like too much and might ease you into it better.

[winemaker06]

They only get more fun! I wish I would have gone back part-time a little early, so I could take a couple of days now.
I was ready to go back at 12 weeks because I felt like I never got a break when it was just me and the baby. Then around 4-5 months I wanted to be with him more all of a sudden. He's so much more interactive now!

[rupertpenny]

I would probably go back early. But I'm also monster who does not enjoy being with my kid 24/7.

[thebreakfastclub]

I would do it. But I was itching to go back towards the end of ML.

[hockeywife]

I went back part time and I'm so happy I did bc it made the transition to full time so much easier.

[jeaniebueller]

I wouldn't but I am enjoying every minute being off in the summer.

[Deleted]

I wouldn't. And I say that as someone who had 12 weeks plus an entire summer and is just itching to go back in the fall.

I love work. However, I feel like it will always be there and I'll never get this chance with my kid again. Even though I don't love it every day and being home isn't for me deep down I've really enjoyed it and made some great memories.

[Deleted]

I'm with @justdairy. I am not loving every second of being off but I know I'll never get this time back and work will always be there so I would regret going back early. Staying at home is definitely not for me but I don't want to miss this time I have with my kids.

[arch01]

I went back at 8w and wish I could've gone back at 6w. I did not enjoy ML and was counting down the hours until I got to go back. This was so much related to the fact that we had a lot of feeding problems, my marriage wasn't in a great place, and looking back-I think I really wanted something that I felt like I was doing OK at.

If we do have #2-I want to plan for the full 12 weeks out, with the option to go back PT if needed. In your case-I'd go back PT.

[galaxy8227]

I didn't go back to work early but I did send DD to daycare three days my last week of maternity leave to get us both used to it. I was glad I did that--I got some time to myself, started to get my new morning routine established (DH leaves before we all get up) and got her used to being with someone else.

Trying a part time routine might be nice for you--gives you a chance to get used to it but you still have some time with the baby.

[simpsongal]

I took 13 weeks and went back full time afterwards. It was awesome and would not have traded any of those days. But that's me. If you don't ease in, just make sure you practice getting out of the house and leaving the baby with a caregiver.

[ringstrue]

I was ready to go back before 12 weeks. I am only taking 10 weeks this time.

Neither way will be "awful". Both will have their adjustments and adjustments can be challenging.

What about doing 2 days a week?

[mellymel]

I wouldn't have liked that, but that's just me. I was off in the summer for both kids and dreaded going back to work both times.

[leonard131]

I went back early part-time and it was great. I eased into things. I was able to get a routine and could still enjoy time with M.

I also HATED almost everyday of ML due to a colicky kid so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[docholly]

I probably wouldn't. I agree with Fivedogs, work would creep in.

[turtlegirl]

Going back part time worked out really well for me. I started going back 1-2 days a week at 7 weeks with DS1 and went back 3 days a week at 10 weeks with DS1.

But I work for a very small non-profit and my boss is really understanding and flexible.

[jeaniebueller]

Jul 25, 2014 9:21:15 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

I feel like the end of (my second) ML was the best part - things were easier, more sleep, feeding was going better, etc. (I could only take 6 weeks with my first.) However, I had no issue with starting back to work full-time right away - I like to have hard divisions between work and leave because otherwise work creeps in.

This is where I am coming from too. When DD was 2-3 weeks old, I was dying to get back. Now that she is 7 weeks, I could get used to this

[pinotgrig]

Jul 25, 2014 10:55:40 GMT -5 jeaniebueller said:

Jul 25, 2014 9:21:15 GMT -5 @fivedogs said:

I feel like the end of (my second) ML was the best part - things were easier, more sleep, feeding was going better, etc. (I could only take 6 weeks with my first.) However, I had no issue with starting back to work full-time right away - I like to have hard divisions between work and leave because otherwise work creeps in.

This is where I am coming from too. When DD was 2-3 weeks old, I was dying to get back. Now that she is 7 weeks, I could get used to this

This is exactly me. I'm a week or so behind you, but this is exactly how I feel.