Returning to Full time Work

I have been thinking lately about returning to full time work, which I haven't done since I had DS (who is almost 3) I also have a 4mth old DD. My husband works in a FIFO position, 2 weeks on 1 week off.

Has anyone else done this? any tips or hints?

Hi there. I have recently gone back to work but not full time - just part time two days a week. My DD (my first) is 10 months old. I can't give you any advice about going back full time but I have to say that it has been fantastic for both me and DD. She gets to spend time with her grandma and I get to feel like an adult again. It's different for everyone, but I am the kind of person who needs to be busy and to use my brain. I'm definitely busy now juggling everything and two days a week works perfectly! All the best.

I only work part time, but my advice to any working mum is to be super organised! The mornings are usually very hectic so organise as much as you can the night before - clothes, bags, etc - this will make the morning smoother so you don't end up nagging and starting the day feeling bad!

I worked 3 days a week when hubby did FIFO for 4wks on 1 wk off and it was hard enough with 1, I can't imagine doing it now with 2 unless we had to.

I would always pack her bag and lay her clothes out the night before, just try and get the small stuff done the night before. Try and make dinners in bulk so you can just pull it out and heat it up.

Goodluck with it all!!

Investigate the childcare options before deciding whether you want to go back to work! I know of a lot of people who haven't been able to find childcare at all because there are limited options available in their areas and they might all be full. I personally live in an area with heaps of options but my daughter was constantly sick from being with all the other children in a daycare centre and I eventually had to move to a part-time job. If you have family who can care for your kids then this isn't really an issue.

Personally, I agree with those who have said that you have to be super-organised but aside from that, I think that being a working parent of a preschooler isn't that difficult. The hardest thing is that you don't want to worry about your child during the day, so as long as you are confident that they are in good care then no problem!

I am not looking forward to when my daughter starts school ... that will be much harder! What are you supposed to do with them during the school holidays?

In-Home Childcare