What am I doing? Update

It is so daunting isn't it! I remember just feeling bereft when I left work, as if the world would somehow stop turning!

You will feel so different when LO arrives... Everything just turns upside down!

I sympathasise. I left a job I loved where I was in contact with inspirational people every day, where I felt I was making a difference, but it was third sector, adoption pay was statutory only, salary not enough to go part time. I went back into the civil service before I was matched for the terms and conditions - adoption pay, longer holidays and a bigger salary which meant I could afford to go part time. Quite frankly I'm bored, make very little difference to anything really and I can do the work standing on my head - which is no bad thing as I dont the stress

I put up with it because I can work part time and I can live on the salary. When you actually become a parent your perspective will change. What you can give to employment will also change in terms of your energy. I wish I could give up work completly but financially its not an option. It helps that I'm a bit older, I've got past the stage of being ambitious in terms of having a career, at the moment I just need a job that pays. And when Simba is hopefully growing towards independence, my mortgage will be paid off and I can hopefully look for something more fufulling for the last few years of my working life.

You are about to be hit by a big truck - its fine and normal to feel sadness for the old life, but the new life beckons and who knows where that will lead

I couldn't wait to give up work and go on adoption leave but found the lack of structure and routine very difficult. I went back to my old company in a very part time role and was so bored and frustrated. I left after 12 months as I felt my time was needed much more at home with AS.  I used to be very career orientated but now really do not care or have time to really think about it since becoming a mum. It is like a whole different work and you change so much as a person.

Having said that , I have just started to think a bit more longer term as suddenly realised AS will be at senior school in 18 months I have a couple of very part time jobs that I just go through the motion with.

Is there anyway you could keep 1 of the jobs on as others have suggested? It is do difficult to say now, how everything will be in 18 months time for you and your family.

Could you also keep going and save the money so you have more options when you have to return to work? I think sometimes you feel you have to change everything and what you really need is things to stay the same and play each day as it comes - much easier said than done I know!!!!

HI everyone,

Was wandering through the site and spotted my old post and thought I should add a quick update. Yes, putting the jobs I loved down was hard, but everyone was so excited for me and very supportive that it made the transition much smoother.

Anyway, after 12 days of introductions, my boys moved in on Tuesday this week ... and they're great! I'm feeling really blessed and we're making early steps to gel as a new family.

All thoughts of jobs and work are out of my head for now, and instead I'm working out how to fill each day! Biggest bonus is they're great sleepers, in bed at 7 and no noise after 7.15 (still can't really believe it's true but bedtime 5 has again passed without a hitch).

That's all, just felt like leaving an update, the lows are always followed by highs (even if you have to wait for them some times!)

LP xxx

Oh wow Lolapola, you sneaked your two home under Moo's radar. (She won't forgive you for not posting intro's LOL  )

I did wonder how you were going to manage work with two LO's. Think it's something that you can look at doing part time further down the line when they are more settled, if you still feel a need to do something adult.

Let us know how you are doing if you get a chance.

jmkx

PS - Congratulations Mummy!!!!!!!

PPS - Oh, and for online names for your boys.
How about Charlie (as in Charlie and Lola) or Marv, who is Charlie's best friend.
He has a younger brother named Morten and an older brother named Marty.