This time next Monday, instead of playing with Mateo, I'll be back at work. I'm having a super hard time coming to the realization that I have to go back to work. I have absolutely no desire to go back to the office. Ever. For real.
However, student loans and our mortgage require that I go back to work. For those of you with kids, how did you handle going back? Any tips?
8 comments:
I know how you feel! My daycare lady sends me pictures and texts so I know how Nevin is doing. The first week is hard but it gets better, trust me.
It's never easy, like Andrea said, but remember it's totally normal to worry all day, and every time the phone rings you jump thinking something is wrong... you'll have guilt for working- thinking you're being a bad mom or picking work over your baby... I resented my job for a while too, but I honestly don't know many people who didn't for a bit! Then- like everyone says- it gets better! There's just this phase where you have to tell yourself it'll be okay, and know that it will!! Just know you're not alone and we've survived it too! I didn't want to be fake and say it'll be easy, but I still want to assure you that the routine settles and you WILL be fine!
Okay, now I'm paranoid that sounded negative, though Keith assures me it wasn't!! What I was trying to say is know that it's normal- all the wacky things you'll worry about- but it's really just a short while before you're in a good routine! So try not to worry too much, mama! We love you!
It sucks and theres no other way to say it. BUT to help deal with it you should focus on the positives. Like that you will be showered and clean all day. And you can eat lunch and go to the bathroom and reply to email when YOU want to. My coworker got her hair done and a whole week of new clothes so each day she was excited to come and show off her new look. I collected pictures of Noah and some new trinkets to decorate my office and brought a new coffee I was excited to try out. It still will suck, but if you go in with a positive attitude it might suck a little less. Good luck and kisses to the little man!
Ugh! It's hard. I go back on Monday, too. Sorry I'm catching this late.
First thing I did was practice leaving Mad with Grandma (who was/is/will be her care provider). I cried every time I left her prior to returning to work, which was about once a week for a month. The first two times I made sure I had "important things" to do... and I dashed back as soon as they were over. The next two times I just gave myself a time frame that I should be gone (two hours, I believe) and forced myself to stay away. On the first day of work, I wasn't as miserable because I knew Mad would be fine. She's independent like that anyway.
This time I haven't been stressing about it because I know Grandma does such an awesome job. However, I also haven't been preparing Fynn as I should, and she is *much* more of a Mama's baby than Mad ever was. To the point that she cries if she *thinks* someone else is going to take her from my arms. This is not gonna be good.
My best advice is to A) Absolve yourself of any guilt. See that you are *providing* for Mateo.
B) Leave extra early (get everything packed up and loaded into the car the night before; have your keys where you can find them).
C) Take all the time you need to say goodbye. Don't rush through it unless you're afraid the big ugly cry is coming and you don't want to scare your boy.
D) Give yourself extra time to stop for coffee or a smoothie or something on the way to work. It will give your face a chance to look less teary and your mind a chance to ease on in to the new normal.
E) Never feel foolish for calling and checking in. Call as often as you want/need to.
F) See if a shorter lunch/earlier end of day is possible. I take half an hour and leave at 4:00 instead of 4:30.
G) Look for (and you will find) the good things about working. I am like an unabashed crack addict trying to get my adult conversation fix upon returning to work. And I get to eat lunch with two hands and without someone wanting to share, swap or try some of Mama's. Okay, so that's all I've come up with so far, but it's a start... and you'll find yours, too.
Big loving hugs to you, Mama,
Shan :+)
Like one book wasn't enough... it published twice. Grr, lol.
Brooke,
This will be tough- It is not easy and there will be some adjusting for all of you. It all works out- but it won't stop the worry or concern when you are not there. That never stops, a mother love and concern goes on and on and on. That is what makes us Mothers! Just ask Stephanie, Sara and Derek.
Love you
Aunt Lori
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