Is it completely bizarre to be a bit fearful of returning to the workforce? I have been a full time at home mom to my 4 kids for 7 years. With the "cha-ching" hard times we are all facing (and a recent "new engine" quote on a still financed truck) My husband and I both agree its time for me to start clocking in. Kids' schedules will put me back into a graveyard position I am sure. The lack of sleep will be fine since well I don't sleep anyway. I am looking forward to coworkers and all grown up conversations again. I am very very excited about having a place to go and some "rewards" that are fully my own. But, I do feel a tinge of ..humm, I don't know...fear. I cant place it exactly or even why. Perhaps, its the thought of my carefree "mom only" days are leaving. Mandatory schedules and unused job skills being rusty. Perhaps its not fear but a sadness in a sense that my only job wont just be my family. I am however, looking forward to another income. That part sounds great. Are there any back to work Moms or Dads out there that spent a significant amount of time at home for your family? How did you feel and handle the change to working mom? Perhaps I am just over thinking it all. My youngest is in school full time now. I guess I should feel proud of what I have done and it is now time to cut the apron strings... ok maybe not cut them (just yet) but at least untie them
Wish me luck, cross your fingers, wish on a star ..whatever it takes. Green is job hunting
Comments
In a land of wonderous things...
*wishes on star*
good luck my lovely friend . i understand why you would have feelings of 'fear'. but, you'll get used to it again. it's all just a matter of time. you know i'm always around if you need to talk, vent, listen to music, anything at all.
"Most everyone's mad here.

"You may have noticed that I'm not all there myself."
Wellington Florida
Married
OH green I have been in your shoes. I took off 7 years to be a full time mom. Since my kids are 2 years apart I stayed home with them. I guess I had it lucky that when I went back it was at my own schedule since it was a family business. I'm still lucky there. I'll admit it was just as you said mixed feelings. It was nice to be out there with other adults and feeling well like I was contributing to the family. It was a adjustment at first but it was all good in the end. Maybe you can find a job that the hours are when the kids are in school. Either way my heart is with you and it will be fine. Plus when you go back that will mean that hubby and kids will have to help more and well that will bring them all closer together so that is a bonus. *HUGS*
Orangeville USA
i took some time off with the first one and still work very flexible hours now. it was great. i feel like i got to really know my child. but it was very nice to get back to work. not only the income but that little bit of escape. i love my job so its easy to say that. but i have to admit even being away from work for a year, it was scary trying to fit into that new job position and the big career mode. i look at it this way, if youre totally not happy you can quit and/or find something new. youve got nothing to lose. i think you will be fine and i wish you the very best!
Single & Not Looking
I'm just seeing this now. I went through the exact same thing Greenie, and yes I was very apprehensive about the whole thing. I took 3 yrs off to be with son o' mine and I loved every minute of it, I loved being with him 24/7 it was such a great experience and I would do it all again if I had to. As soon as he was 3 and could communicate perfectly I figured it was time to get back to work, I wanted to work yet I didn't want to. I have to admit I loved being home and not being part of the rat race every morning. So I found a job about 15 minutes from the daycare center (I'm still in the same job almost 10 yrs later) and it all worked out great. My fear was wondering if I could juggle a full time job as well as being a mom and wife (at the time). It took a little getting used to, but not as long as I had originally thought. It's the thoughts of something that are always worse than the doing. I eased back into the workforce without a hitch. I know things will work out for you and you'll do wonderful. Good luck with everything