Hello!

I’m going back to work full time after 12 months maternity leave, I’m not sure if I’m ready as I have got used to being at home with my girls but my hubby doesn’t have a job. What would you do?


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  • It’s an awful time when your maternity leave comes to an end. You say hubby doesn’t have a job, so I’m guessing you need to return to work to make ends meet. Unless, of course, hubby has got himself a job


  • I assume if your husband isn’t working, there might be a financial imperative. I think I’d be inclined to go back to work; in the long term it will benefit your whole family.


  • I don’t think there is much of a choice in this situation, and at least your husband can stay home with the children.


  • If you need the money, it sounds like you don’t have much of a choice. But if you don’t have money issues, don’t stress it. Or, get hubby out working


  • I hope your hubby found a job and I’d love an update on what you did.


  • I guess someone has to earn money. At least if your husband is home, one parent is with the children which is good. It’s never easy whatever you decide, especially if you feel forced into going back.


  • I went back about 12 months and hated it to begin with, my daughter is now 3 and it is easier especially since she loves day care. I try to do fun things like swimming and park straight after work and then something she wants to do at the weekend. Seeing how much she has been taught at day care including Chinese and watching her interact with peers which I could never teach her at home makes it all worth while.


  • I personally returned to work under 12 months, and my husband is SAHD, so to answer you question would *I* return to work, in my situation yes I would.

    In your situation, I don’t have all the details so I don’t know. You and hubby need to work out each of your employability and career goals and other options – could someone start uni? You both work part time?


  • Is your husband looking for a new job or he is permanently staying at home now? if he is then of course someone has to work :(


  • The reality is someone has to earn a living, if your husband is unable to find work and you have a job to go back to, I guess that is the most obvious solution. Can you ease back into work by beginning with half days for the first week? Many men actually have become very good house husbands and very capable of providing primary child care. He can join play groups or start one with other dads. The decision is for you both to make.


  • It’s very difficult indeed. I wouldn’t go back to work. I find the first 3 years of a child’s life so important. I would wait for a little longer “hoping” that your husband finds a job. Because the moment you start working, he will have to take over a lot of things you generally do, and that means less time available for him to look for a proper job.


  • Know that you’re not alone – there are plenty of working mums out there, you just do what you need to in order to provide for your family. The joys of being a parent…


  • Go back to work. Financially, its not sustainable to both be out of work. It feels good to be contributing both at home and at work. You will get used to working again. Is your partner planning on returning back to work himself?
    It will benefit you to keep one foot in the door, even if its part-time. It can be challenging to get back into the workforce after many years at home.


  • I can understand it would be hard, but maybe think of it as a temporary situation until hubby finds a job and you will be helping ease the burden of finances for a bit.


  • It sucks – but I agree, maybe you need to make a financial decision at this stage rather than an emotional one. Fingers crossed hubby gets a job & you can go back to looking after the girls.


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