Hi imperfect mums
So I think I've decided that I'm going to go back to work. I'm a single mum with a 6 mth old.
I'm struggling with the fact that I always said I wanted to stay at home with my child because it would be more beneficial for them but I'm really. Struggling. I struggle to get motivated to do anything and feel like I'm just not getting anywhere.
Not sure if it would be worth it either as I get Max benefits from centrelink.
For now I think I'll just go back a couple of days. I'm a childcare worker so I'm also I guess putting my bub into care to look after other people's bubs.
Feeling sad and confused...
5 Replies
Firstly good for you, going back to work for a few days a week is a sanity saver! Just being able to talk to other adults at work makes a Huge difference to your mental health. Yes you will be slightly better off, not a huge amount but enough to make the sanity break worth while.
It will also be beneficial to your baby. It's good for babies and children to learn that other adults can care for them and meet there needs. It gives a child confidence about the world, and a sense of a 'village'.
There is really good evidence that it's far more important to spend quality time with a child versus quantity. So putting your child in daycare 2 days will not effect them negatively at all. I found when I work I appreciated my child more, I was energised, felt more connected to my community and engaged with my own child better.
It's also very different being at home with your own child versus working in a centre with other children. So there is no reason to feel bad about that.
Feeling your pain, my last day of maternity leave after 12 months today!
It will be worth it! And i get you. I cant be at home its no good for any of us, much happier being at work.
but i remember being worried about making the change. Just remember if i doesnt work you can always change back easily, but im sure it will go well.
I went back part time when mine was 7 months, it is totally worth it Centrelink wise and it actually brings your motivation back, it's not ground hog day every day. You can give it a go and see what happens, but I highly recommend it.
I know it's such a tough call, but it really can help with getting things back on track and finding some normality, particularly as a single mum I find I sit and stare at the walls when I'm not working. As for finances, if I don't work I'd get full benefits, but working, if I earn under $1000 a fornihht, then I still get $1000 a fortnight from Centrelink, the extra I earn from work really covers the child care (which is subsidised at the highest rate so is quite affordable) I'm not better off, but my brain is, my kids are. I'm keen to get away and do things, happy to spend a day at the park, happy to grab a picnic and head to the beach...it takes a juggle and I found working three days (Wednesday to Friday) meant I had Monday and Tuesdays to do the housework I'd left while I was out playing on the weekend. We all planned to be stay at home mums, but it's not always good for the mental health. Happy Mumma, happy bubba :) Good luck!