So I’ve been back at work now for six months. And it has been an interesting journey to say the least.

I found myself in a position at the end of last year where I knew it was time to go back to to work. After having the previous 18 months out to raise my children, which was amazing, the time felt right.

I went straight back into Community Mental Health Nursing, and it was lovely to be back in the swing of things. I also decided to go back full time, which I did debate but knew it was right for me, as I will explain below.

I know there are so many mums out there who contemplate returning to work, or know they have to for financial reason. There was a huge financial implication linked to my returning to work as well, as I had been on benefits prior to going back.

So I thought I would share with any mums considering work, some tips which have made the process easier for me.

So let’s dive in….

1. Make sure the job you are returning to is something you enjoy! I know if I had gone back to working shifts, where the shifts were so long and actually would have meant going days without actually seeing my children at all would have killed me and I wouldn’t be able to stick at the job.
2. Don’t compromise. Get the right job and hours for you. For some that may be part time instead of full time. Or you may prefer full time. My job is full time, with the flexibility to work from home as well. For me that flexibility is so key to my ability to work and be there for my children. It also meant that the routine I had established for my children could remain in place and I could still be a part of it.
3. Enjoy the adult company! For me I felt this was one of the best parts of working again. Regardless of the adult conversations I was having with friends and family, a majority of my day was spent talking to the children, or about the children. I was now in an environment where I could have a completely different conversation which was bliss!
4. Your time with your children is pure quality! Now, when I get in from work I can chill with the kids and find out about their day. We have a period of true quality time which is just lovely.
5. Give it time to truly settle in before making any decisions. I was so excited when I got my job. Going back to work meant the world to me. But that first week and month was so tough. The children didn’t fully understand why mummy wasn’t about all the time anymore. And I missed my time with them. However, as time went on it did get easier and now the children are so used to me going to work they don’t understand why I’m he at weekends! Lol!

I really hope these tips help other mums and put any anxieties of returning to work to rest. Please do get in touch if you want to ask me any questions or just want to share your experiences.