After 4 years raising my LO, I am due to go back to work FT in a couple of weeks. Same industry etc, so I know what I'm in for professionally. When I left work, I was very confident, in shape, had a great memory. Now I'm nervous as hell about going back. I'm very confident as a mother, but as I still haven't lost all my weight, I've aged, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be, I'm really nervous about going back. It's like I've lived in a cocoon for a few years, and now need to relearn how to be someone's employee. How to string an adult sentence together! I want to go back, as I keep thinking about all the good that will come of it. But my confidence is through the floor, whilst my anxiety about it is sky high. I'm also scared about losing my bond with my daughter. She'll be in preschool full time (part time work not an option), and I'm worried that it will change things between us, having strangers look after her (we have no family nearby) is worrying me too as I don't know their discipline style, morals, etc etc. For those who returned to work, did you have similar feelings? How long before you got back into the swing of things? Did it all work out well (the juggle between motherhood and professional)? Did it affect your bond with your kids? Looking for some reassurance I guess, that may help lessen some of the guilt and fear I'm feeling.

2 Replies
Going back to work is a nervous time but push through it and you will be fine.
No it didn't change my relationship with my child if anything we spent more quality time. 4 year olds are getting really independent and want to be off playing with friends anyway (one year to school) so you would have found that may have changed anyway this year if you didn't return to work.
Preschool is a positive experience, absoluteoy nothing to worry about there, very much like school but a lot of free play. She will have a ball!
I went back to work when my son was 4 and it was the best thing I could have done. I was nervous too but found an excellent family day care and he started prep the following year anyway. Anxiety is normal, it wont take you long to get back into the swing of things. Good luck!