Who would have thought that trying to go back to work after having just one baby would be so mentally challenging.
The issue is that I am now 'one adult, one child'...and as inflexible as hell.
We are now 9 and a half months into parenthood and I have returned to work, about 3 and a half months ago actually...and the above statement still stands true.
I am now casual doing approximately half of the hours I was doing before and still I struggle.
It is very difficult to maintain a work/life balance when you have a baby to consider.
The much needed break is what it's all about, the illusion of freedom once again, the adult activities and conversations even if it's just about the weather and how good this decaf coffee tastes while I'm sipping it without having to sway it in and out of the reach of tiny octopus tentacles which have whip like acuracy. It is a guilty pleasure to return to work.
You know what I love the most...getting to go grocery shopping on my own. Without a shrill, shrieking child at the wheel of your cart you can shop with confidence and at your own free pace. Take all day if you like. No rushed panic stricken frenzied shopping that belongs only on reality TV shows where the winner is racing against the clock. This might be fine if you already have a pantry half full of the things you need...but not fine when you are shopping for essentials and every missed item is a blow to your 'New Super Mum' persona. Every missed item is a personal slap in the face and screams for you to stay focused and do better next time.
TBH I can see why some women just throw their careers in at this stage, get their child rearing out of the way and then hope their career can be salvaged later on. It's a bit sad when you're still paying off a hefty student loan though.
No comments:
Post a Comment