Abruptly going back to work

[L J]

I haven't worked since August of 2010. If you asked me Friday morning if I had any plans to return to work in the near future I would have said "no way!"

But, life likes to throw curve balls, and I am returning to work tomorrow afternoon. I am terrified.

It became apparent Friday evening that I have to return to work, at least temporarily. I put in two applications online at 2am Saturday morning. At 11:30 Saturday morning I got a call for an interview, I was extended a job offer at 1pm. Eleven hours from completing the application to hired. Wow. I would be lying if I said that wasn't a huge boost to my self esteem, but I had no idea I would land a job so quickly.

Dd is 10 months and breastfed. I can't pump. I'm sure she will reverse cycle and be fine, but I still feel very guilty. Ds is 5.5 and starting kindergarten next month. He is very sad that I am returning to work, and I feel horrible for missing this last month with him.

There is no point to this thread, other than I am overwhelmingly sad today and I needed to get it off my chest.

[Hungry Caterpillar]

It will be okay. You do what you need to.

You will have days off and they will be joyful. You will walk in the door and get a wonderful welcome from your baby. Your (almost) kindergartener will understand soon.

Don't waste time today being sad. Have fun with your family today. Be sad later if you stlll need to be sad.

Good luck!

[sasra_nu]

I had to unwillingly accept a job about a month ago. I don't have a baby, but it's hard even with my almost 5-year-old. I feel horribly guilty about not spending enough time with her, and even when I'm with her, I feel tired. I know it will get better.

You'll get through It will probably be hard at first - it was and still is for me. But your kids will be okay, and they'll still love you just as much. Some mamas go back to work at 6 weeks, KWIM? I don't know HOW they do it, but they do - and it all works out in the end.

Best of luck at your new job!

[Shimpie]

Aww Mom, it's okay to be sad. It's really hard to adapt when life changes so suddenly. New moms can go back to work in 6 weeks if they plan for it way ahead of time. You haven't had the time to really take it all in. It will take a while for you to adapt to your new schedule and so will your little ones. Try to focus on your new job and providing for your family. You're doing what's best for them.

[littleleaf]

mama. Totally understandable for you to feel sad as you do.

[doodah]

I am sorry life has thrown you for a loop. Try to focus on what your kids did/do have versus what they dont. hang in there!

[JustJack]

I'm sorry. I'm kinda going thought the same thing.

[luvsviola]

Hugs mama!!!!!

[stevensmom]

how's it going?

**I do know how to spell...my iPod on the other hand does not**

[joyous]

I completely understand. I had to return to work abruptly too, and the process was also very quick. It's been difficult, but my DD has adjusted well. It's much harder for me than it is for her.

Good for you for doing what you need to do for your family.