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Hello, you can always use your keep in touch days just to attend the event. It all depends on the person and cannot judge. This is a very personal decision. I also thought I will be back earlier but then realised I didn’t want to leave my baby at the nursery so quickly, my little one had medical issues which I wanted to ensure I manage and not take time off work, I needed more time to get physical fit again… also my little one didn’t sleep through the night - many days I am like a zombie…. and I also wondered whether it was “being career” focused or some form of insecurity… I mean we will work in our life time for maybe 45 years - what is a few extra months off for our child?
I went back when my daughter was approx 5 months. It was the hardest both physically and mentally. I wish I could have taken longer like most do, I could not due to a reduction in maternity pay (not affordable) . In hindsight, I wish I could have taken the year off but it was what it was... I am career driven and ambitious but honestly it is hard - juggling motherhood and a career. If you have a great support system, maybe you could... but honestly, if you are able to financially cope ... I would suggest longer. You need the mental space to perform well... when kids are little , they occupy your mind completely and some kids dont sleep all night long (mine didnt and still is a hit and miss) - you need to feel fresh and active at work... ...
I'm self employed with my own clinic, I'm planning to go back after 8 weeks as dad works at night so he will have baby, I built this business and its like my baby too. And I actually want to go back. I really enjoy my work, so whatever is right for you ! X
You could use one of your kit days to attend the event? I hated going back to work especially the first time i found it mentally really hard. My girls also wouldn’t take a bottle so i couldnt leave them but my whole outlook changed after i had my first. I was super caree focused and wverything just changed, the centre of my universe was her and i just wanted to be with her. I started my own business on my second mat leave to tey and be home more with them.
Simply, yes.
I am due in Jan and I have a 3 year old, I own 3 companies and I promise you now going back too soon has a knock on effect. Well it did for me, don’t put pressure on yourself now, you don’t want to make promises that you might not keep when the baby is here x
You could use one of your KIT days to attend the event but also be easy on yourself. Baby will be here and you may feel completely different. It’s also good to analyse the ROI from attending the event, could you action things after the event being that you’re on Mat leave? Does the return outweigh the investment of going? Would it really move the needle for you in your career if you go? Those are all things to think about before committing yourself. Xx
If you mean attend the one day event in May then it’s doable if career driven etc but if you mean returning back to work fully from May, it’s a tricky one and would largely depend on you and how you feel at the time. I needed at least 6 months before I even thought about work but some do it earlier and some later.