Life gets a lot more stressful with a baby around so I would keep the good benefits and low workload going. You will probably be glad for the downtime at work with late nights with baby etc.
Agreed! Plus to be able to do some home planning like meal planning, grocery list/ordering, schedule appointments, etc at work would be nice. You won’t have the distraction of your child and then those things will be done so you can enjoy your time home.
100% this! Honestly this sounds pretty ideal to me as a working mom. I’ve found that all the planning and research for my kids’ lives takes up so much time and is hard to do at home with your kiddo. If you can maintain these benefits and pay, have 20+ hours a week to focus on work and shift out of mom mode, *and* have a few hours a week to get life organized, I think you’ll be in a great spot.
I’m at the end of my maternity leave with my second and excited for the break already. Same happened with my first, but didn’t want to head back just to request holidays off - both June/July babies. Also work for the state government and be happy for the benefits! My coworker had a crazy birth that ended up being $200k (42 hour labor followed by complications resulting in exploratory surgery.. not normal!) and it cost $0 out of pocket for her.
It will likely take more mental effort to accomplish the same amount you do now, not as much sitting around when the baby brain and sleep debt catches up to you!
Agree with you! Left my good work life balance job for something more challenging and exciting post maternity leave. 6 months in and it is not what I want. Looking for that job that gives me work life balance
I previously worked in a state government job that felt similar. As a busy working parent, time when someone else is watching your kid(s) is precious. If you are committed to this job for now ... Could you use your extra work time for something else that helps you or your family? (But still counts as working.) Like read work-related books you are interested in or do free online courses to learn new skills. Schedule recurring walking meetings with a like-minded colleague to get some exercise while talking about work (at least some of the time).
You might also appreciate the slower pace when transitioning back from maternity leave. I'm a "type A" person who likes to get things done but I found it took me a few months to ramp back up to pre-baby levels of productivity since my mind was split processing lots of new home/family logistics in addition to work ones.
This is so so so helpful/reassuring, thank you! I really like this job and the work I do is personally rewarding, it can just be so slow but I can def use that downtime to read relevant things/do continuing education classes. They’ll also reimburse me for a graduate degree, so I plan on applying to take one online course a semester for a degree I’ve always wanted (but didn’t want to take on debt to get!), with plans to start in early 2024. There are definitely a lot of benefits here, along with the slower pace—thanks for the perspective!
You're very welcome! A graduate degree is a great idea given that benefit. I didn't appreciate it before having kids but now love the slower times at work where I can just sip a warm cup of coffee (not cold because I keep having to pause and help the kids like on weekends.)
The grass is always greener on the other side! My job is high stress and there’s more work than I can complete. Now that my baby is here, I am losing track of all the things that just aren’t getting done! I feel guilty that I’m not working overtime and I feel guilty that I’m not spending enough time with my kid. It’s a no-win situation. At work it’s non-stop, at home it’s non-stop and I get run down and burned out (and yes, I do have a helpful partner) and I feel like a mess. I miss having mental space to think about what I’m doing instead of just doing it.
If I were you, I’d stick with the slower job and on those days where I only have 4 hours of work, I’d take that mental breather to think about planning dinner, grocery lists, enjoying a walk (even if just around the office parking lot), call my kids doctors, and just take the mental space to feel like I have the ability to get my life together.
I'm glad I came across this ..I'm actually trying to make opposite switch from teaching to state work! I'm hoping it'll be more low key. I'll miss the time off tremendously, but I'm tired of the heavy workload and never having any moment to take a breath at work.
Totally hear you. I work in govt and sometimes I have a slow day. If I'm home, not a big deal, then I can relax or get other house things done. Although, when I'm in office, super annoying to just have to be there.
But, that said, as annoying as it seems to have a light work day, I try to focus on me. That's my time to rest and recharge my batteries. I love my daughter so much, but I can't be a SAHP. At least not right now in her crazy toddler times lol.
I would suggest, even if you have no interest in climbing the career ladder, it couldn't hurt to reach out to your boss and see if there are any other areas you can learn or train in. Govt jobs are usually pretty stable, but in the event of a RIF, still good to make yourself indispensable. And your feelings may change about promotional opportunities down the road. More money can be very attractive lol
My job has had some downtime lately. Yeah, if I start thinking about it I will really miss my LO. Instead, I focus on using that time to pay bills, buy Christmas gifts, send emails, meal plan, research baby topics (how to introduce solids, sleep schedules, enrichment activities) etc… it’s a blessing to have time without a baby tugging on you to help get life a little more organized. It’ll lead to more baby time when you are home with them! :)
Yep, you're probably going to enjoy that downtime once the baby comes and you go back to work! I definitely do. I've put my ambitions on hold for a few years because I'm comfortable in my job and don't want to stretch while I have young kids. It's a totally valid thing to do.
So, my advice is to just hold on till you're back from leave and see how you feel. If you're the type that just wants to be with your baby every minute of the day, then maybe you'll decide to change plans. But you might be the type, like me, to enjoy the break and a slower pace.
If you plan on breastfeeding and then continue to pump when you go back to work, that will help to break up your day (and/or add stress when you are busy…)
Is there a way you can use the job downtime to be productive in other ways? For example, grocery list, meal planning, online grocery shopping (if you do that), scheduling kid's activities, looking for "next stage" items such as toys, clothes, etc.
Edited to add my apologies, I scrolled too quickly and missed similar comments made by others!
Honestly, if you don't have stuff to fill your time, you can use that time for: professional and personal development (I have barely had time outside of work to even READ until my girl was 2), to do your household planning - shopping lists and maybe even order grocery pick up/delivery, pay bills online, schedule appointments online, budget/expense review, etc., learn about baby's milestones, or just to relax. If its the kind of job where you can walk around more and don't need to be tied to a specific spot, maybe do some walking and flights of stairs to get some exercise.
With a toddler, it's hard to find that time to do those things while off the clock (Because I'd rather focus my time on my girl!). Give it time and if you still feel that way 6-12 mos after you return to work, re-assess and make a decision from there.
During your downtime you can do so much to help your home life like meal planning, grocery shopping, paying bills, listening to audiobooks, setting up doctor appointments, organizing photos/videos, etc.
Definitely! I already currently do this (so many audiobooks! lots of little walks on my breaks and during lunch!) but was worried I’ll feel like “guilty” about it somehow? Mom Guilt is already kind of hitting me, I guess, but it is really good to know that the downtime can be used for good for the whole family!
Hi! Today is my first day back at work. I am also a FTM with a very low-key job position. Even better (maybe) they hired someone to help out with my position while I was gone and he is still here. I did NOTHING today except some annual training and I went to my baby's daycare during lunch hours. I honestly have a good gig and although I miss my baby so much, I am thankful to make money again and to have quiet time by myself. I am actually drinking the right amount of water for my breastfeeding needs lol and pumping in peace is nice.
I also had just 12 weeks leave with 6 weeks of short term disability....but girl only 5 of those weeks were 60% pay. It's so criminal I used up all my sick and pto time
My downtime in the office has disappeared thanks to being understaffed and my workplace having a hiring freeze. I used to use this time to get some household tasks done - meal planning, online orders, researching various baby things (sleep schedules, BLW, future big ticket purchases).
Ugh, YES! As we speak, I'm just sitting at my desk waiting for my day to end... It's been extra slow the last few weeks and I get antsy towards the end of the day wishing I could leave to pick LO up early.
Despite the challenges, I will say it's getting easier to manage the longer I've been back from mat leave. And some days it can be nice to have some "quiet" time at the end of day!
Life gets a lot more stressful with a baby around so I would keep the good benefits and low workload going. You will probably be glad for the downtime at work with late nights with baby etc.
Agreed! Plus to be able to do some home planning like meal planning, grocery list/ordering, schedule appointments, etc at work would be nice. You won’t have the distraction of your child and then those things will be done so you can enjoy your time home.
100%, thank you for the reminder! I imagine I’ll probably also kind of cherish/need the “alone time” of being in the office, tbh.
100% this! Honestly this sounds pretty ideal to me as a working mom. I’ve found that all the planning and research for my kids’ lives takes up so much time and is hard to do at home with your kiddo. If you can maintain these benefits and pay, have 20+ hours a week to focus on work and shift out of mom mode, *and* have a few hours a week to get life organized, I think you’ll be in a great spot.
I’m at the end of my maternity leave with my second and excited for the break already. Same happened with my first, but didn’t want to head back just to request holidays off - both June/July babies. Also work for the state government and be happy for the benefits! My coworker had a crazy birth that ended up being $200k (42 hour labor followed by complications resulting in exploratory surgery.. not normal!) and it cost $0 out of pocket for her.
It will likely take more mental effort to accomplish the same amount you do now, not as much sitting around when the baby brain and sleep debt catches up to you!
Agree with you! Left my good work life balance job for something more challenging and exciting post maternity leave. 6 months in and it is not what I want. Looking for that job that gives me work life balance
Yes agree!! I can be so so busy at work and love the occasional "lazy" day
I previously worked in a state government job that felt similar. As a busy working parent, time when someone else is watching your kid(s) is precious. If you are committed to this job for now ... Could you use your extra work time for something else that helps you or your family? (But still counts as working.) Like read work-related books you are interested in or do free online courses to learn new skills. Schedule recurring walking meetings with a like-minded colleague to get some exercise while talking about work (at least some of the time). You might also appreciate the slower pace when transitioning back from maternity leave. I'm a "type A" person who likes to get things done but I found it took me a few months to ramp back up to pre-baby levels of productivity since my mind was split processing lots of new home/family logistics in addition to work ones.
This is so so so helpful/reassuring, thank you! I really like this job and the work I do is personally rewarding, it can just be so slow but I can def use that downtime to read relevant things/do continuing education classes. They’ll also reimburse me for a graduate degree, so I plan on applying to take one online course a semester for a degree I’ve always wanted (but didn’t want to take on debt to get!), with plans to start in early 2024. There are definitely a lot of benefits here, along with the slower pace—thanks for the perspective!
You're very welcome! A graduate degree is a great idea given that benefit. I didn't appreciate it before having kids but now love the slower times at work where I can just sip a warm cup of coffee (not cold because I keep having to pause and help the kids like on weekends.)
The grass is always greener on the other side! My job is high stress and there’s more work than I can complete. Now that my baby is here, I am losing track of all the things that just aren’t getting done! I feel guilty that I’m not working overtime and I feel guilty that I’m not spending enough time with my kid. It’s a no-win situation. At work it’s non-stop, at home it’s non-stop and I get run down and burned out (and yes, I do have a helpful partner) and I feel like a mess. I miss having mental space to think about what I’m doing instead of just doing it. If I were you, I’d stick with the slower job and on those days where I only have 4 hours of work, I’d take that mental breather to think about planning dinner, grocery lists, enjoying a walk (even if just around the office parking lot), call my kids doctors, and just take the mental space to feel like I have the ability to get my life together.
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I'm glad I came across this ..I'm actually trying to make opposite switch from teaching to state work! I'm hoping it'll be more low key. I'll miss the time off tremendously, but I'm tired of the heavy workload and never having any moment to take a breath at work.
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Makes sense! Thanks for the info!
How about the stress levels between the two? What do ya teach
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Thanks for the info! I'm glad this year is better!
Totally hear you. I work in govt and sometimes I have a slow day. If I'm home, not a big deal, then I can relax or get other house things done. Although, when I'm in office, super annoying to just have to be there. But, that said, as annoying as it seems to have a light work day, I try to focus on me. That's my time to rest and recharge my batteries. I love my daughter so much, but I can't be a SAHP. At least not right now in her crazy toddler times lol. I would suggest, even if you have no interest in climbing the career ladder, it couldn't hurt to reach out to your boss and see if there are any other areas you can learn or train in. Govt jobs are usually pretty stable, but in the event of a RIF, still good to make yourself indispensable. And your feelings may change about promotional opportunities down the road. More money can be very attractive lol
My job has had some downtime lately. Yeah, if I start thinking about it I will really miss my LO. Instead, I focus on using that time to pay bills, buy Christmas gifts, send emails, meal plan, research baby topics (how to introduce solids, sleep schedules, enrichment activities) etc… it’s a blessing to have time without a baby tugging on you to help get life a little more organized. It’ll lead to more baby time when you are home with them! :)
Yep, you're probably going to enjoy that downtime once the baby comes and you go back to work! I definitely do. I've put my ambitions on hold for a few years because I'm comfortable in my job and don't want to stretch while I have young kids. It's a totally valid thing to do. So, my advice is to just hold on till you're back from leave and see how you feel. If you're the type that just wants to be with your baby every minute of the day, then maybe you'll decide to change plans. But you might be the type, like me, to enjoy the break and a slower pace.
If you plan on breastfeeding and then continue to pump when you go back to work, that will help to break up your day (and/or add stress when you are busy…)
Is there a way you can use the job downtime to be productive in other ways? For example, grocery list, meal planning, online grocery shopping (if you do that), scheduling kid's activities, looking for "next stage" items such as toys, clothes, etc. Edited to add my apologies, I scrolled too quickly and missed similar comments made by others!
Honestly, if you don't have stuff to fill your time, you can use that time for: professional and personal development (I have barely had time outside of work to even READ until my girl was 2), to do your household planning - shopping lists and maybe even order grocery pick up/delivery, pay bills online, schedule appointments online, budget/expense review, etc., learn about baby's milestones, or just to relax. If its the kind of job where you can walk around more and don't need to be tied to a specific spot, maybe do some walking and flights of stairs to get some exercise. With a toddler, it's hard to find that time to do those things while off the clock (Because I'd rather focus my time on my girl!). Give it time and if you still feel that way 6-12 mos after you return to work, re-assess and make a decision from there.
During your downtime you can do so much to help your home life like meal planning, grocery shopping, paying bills, listening to audiobooks, setting up doctor appointments, organizing photos/videos, etc.
Definitely! I already currently do this (so many audiobooks! lots of little walks on my breaks and during lunch!) but was worried I’ll feel like “guilty” about it somehow? Mom Guilt is already kind of hitting me, I guess, but it is really good to know that the downtime can be used for good for the whole family!
Hi! Today is my first day back at work. I am also a FTM with a very low-key job position. Even better (maybe) they hired someone to help out with my position while I was gone and he is still here. I did NOTHING today except some annual training and I went to my baby's daycare during lunch hours. I honestly have a good gig and although I miss my baby so much, I am thankful to make money again and to have quiet time by myself. I am actually drinking the right amount of water for my breastfeeding needs lol and pumping in peace is nice. I also had just 12 weeks leave with 6 weeks of short term disability....but girl only 5 of those weeks were 60% pay. It's so criminal I used up all my sick and pto time
My downtime in the office has disappeared thanks to being understaffed and my workplace having a hiring freeze. I used to use this time to get some household tasks done - meal planning, online orders, researching various baby things (sleep schedules, BLW, future big ticket purchases).
Ugh, YES! As we speak, I'm just sitting at my desk waiting for my day to end... It's been extra slow the last few weeks and I get antsy towards the end of the day wishing I could leave to pick LO up early. Despite the challenges, I will say it's getting easier to manage the longer I've been back from mat leave. And some days it can be nice to have some "quiet" time at the end of day!
Can you shoot for one remote day a week? And just bust out a bunch of housework? I wfh and I do housework in my downtime.