I'm going back to work on Monday!

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

I have brought my suits and have my notebook and pen!

I have even brought a Starbucks cup thingy so i can have a cup of tea on the way in.

But i am terrified!

Anyone got any first day tips, it's been ten years!

[Svrider]

Good luck hokeykokey
Try to appear confident and relaxed
Make notes if someone tells you something

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

Yes, that's the bit the I might balls up, the looking confident and relaxed bit!!

[SizzleSazz]

Wing it.

Most people around you will be

[RattyRoland]

How did it go Hokey?! I'm going back to work in two weeks, eek!

[HorribleMother]

. nosy wanting update, too.

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

It was hard!! I am in an office with 9 others - I am by faaaaaar the oldest and the only one with kids.

My girls, the oldest one in particular have found it very hard and it's been a big adjustment.

That being said though everyone has been lovely and despite being over whelmed with information I really enjoyed it.

It's the first time I have been something other than a mum in ten years and I think I'm going to like it.

Good luck to you and if it gets too much do what I do and think about payday!!

[cpgirl]

I am mulling over whether to go back to work after a 7 year break. Dream job opportunity (on the face of it) has come up but I oscillate wildly about what to do. Would love to hear pros and cons, warts and all if you don't mind! Am worried about the effect on the kids. I think it's what I want (lucky enough that I have the choice), to have an identity away from home and family, but then what if I'm still unsatisfied. I know I should just try but I am fearful!

[HokeyCokeyPigInAPokey]

cpgirl warts and all?!!

How old are you dc?

Well i have just finished my second week..

Kid cons...

The first day i cried my eyes out and didn't even want to get the girls up as i couldn't bear to leave them, it was the hardest day.

For the first week my eldest girl had some separation anxiety i think, she was wasn't eating, she was physically sick and cried the whole week - i really wondered what the hell i had done and cried like a baby on the phone to my mum.

DD2 misses our morning cuddles when i am on early and that upset her at first.

I miss them terribly, i wasn't there after school on dd1's birthday and i will miss my first assembly this week, it will be really hard.

They are both FINE now though, starting week three on Monday without any worry, they love their child minder and know now that mummy has to go to work.

General cons....

My house is not very tidy, i have to be really organised to get everything done and make sure we all have clean undies ect. I am learning to not worry about it though!

I am knackered trying to do everything, dh works longer hours so even when i get home i have to do everything i would have done during the day. I think in a week or two i will be into a routine and it will be much easier.

I am spending my weekends catching up with washing and ironing and laundry, dh has suggested getting a cleaner and sending the ironing out, i'll wait and see.

Pros...

I feel like a whole person again, i love being a mum but that's all i felt i was and after ten years it wasn't enough.

I love having a new reason to get up in the morning, i have a new sense of purpose.

I am using my brain and learning so much, i am in a technical I.T role so it's a lot to take it but it's brilliant to be learning new things.

I have new friends who want to get to know me, they are all younger so it's a totally different dynamic that with my normal friends.

I am enjoying some time away from the kids, i love being able to pop out at lunch and spend an hour doing something i want.

Dh and i appreciate the time we get a bit more and i feel like we have more to talk about as well.

I love it!

Oh and in 11 days they are actually going to pay me!!!!!

I don't know if any of that helps. I was terrified and didn't know if i was doing the right thing.

Like you it was my perfect job, local and with a good starting salary, my attitude was, i'm going to take it and give it my best shot but if i don't like it or the kids aren't happy i'll just leave.

Luckily i do and they are so i'm staying!