I hope you can find something that makes possible the lifestyle you want. I agree with your instinct to be there for your child and put paid employment second. I wish government policy did the same.

It is such a hard decision to make… trust your self.

It can be a hard decision to make. Is part time an option? That way you will still have a couple of days at home?

That’s the difficult thing about life – it throws us curve balls. Sometimes what we envisage for ourselves pregnancy and the reality of circumstances are worlds apart. I really wish I didn’t have to do things I have had to do, but you can’t beat yourself up about it. You just do the very best and be the very best mother you can be in the set of circumstances life hands to you. Some things are just out of our control.

I also started work early and once I had my children, did not want to return to work. Between my 1st 2 and my 3rd, I did some relief work and part-time once they were at school. Now my youngest is 3.5 and at school next year I’m not looking forward to going back to work. We don’t have family holidays often (last was 2009) or many extras, and our house could use a lot of work but I love being at home with my kids. I wish it was easier for us all to do that.

Everyone thinks what they did is best! I think that as long as you have your daughter’s best interests at heart, whatever decision you make will work out well.

Its such a hard decision to make. Can you possibly re-think your spending and delay going back to work. I didn’t work after my second was born, and it was tough financially….and still is, but we drastically cut our spending, and it was worth it. Even if you can delay going back to work for a while, if that is what you decide to do, every month will be worth it.

Also; this is a struggle for a lot of people; please know that you are not alone. x

Your anguish is completely normal and I know exactly what you are going through.
I was 4 months shy of finishing my bachelors degree in Nursing when I found out I was 20+3 pregnant, single and wasn’t allowed to continue my studies.
My daughter is now 2 and as much as I love her I am going crazy not working. So last year I finished my degree and I start a job early March. I could’ve gone back early but I wasn’t ready to leave my daughter. I was able to see all her milestones and I’m now comfortable putting her in daycare full time. She has been in day care 1 day a week since 6 months old but that was only for my own sanity. But I’ve found it so good for her, she gets so much educational playtime and lives hanging out with her friends.
You do what feels right for you, maybe even go back part time and ease yourself in slowly.
You’ll make the right decision, just trust your instincts Best wishes my dear

Weighing up family responsibilities is one of the most difficult things to do. Maybe sit down and work out your budget and plans and see what works best for your family. Good Luck!