A return to work gratitude list

Pumping myself up after almost 6 months away...

Back to reality

A few snaps from day 1 back at work! Look at those ROLLS

I survived my first week back at work! I naively thought I’d be someone who would be ready to go back to work after maternity leave. I even thought there was a chance I would go back early and save a month or so of leave for later in the year… LOL. Although I am ready for my days to take a different shape and to use my brain in a different way, I’m not pumped about return to work.

I started this little “Substack project” to document my parental leave adventures and build gratitude for this special time I’ve had with the little guy… and I’m feeling like I need some more targeted reflection on why it’s really not so terrible to be returning to work. So I started this list a few weeks before I return to work full time after Labor Day. Here are a few things I’m grateful for:

Work stuff

• I’m employed. While I joke about wanting to retire, I’m fortunate in this economy to have a job and not be (too) stressed about bills.

• My company essentially has a 4.5 day workweek, alternating Fridays off and the others as “no meeting” Fridays. This really is one of the best benefits I’ve had at a company, especially when you’re not at a big (tech) company flush with cash and cushy benefits.

• Despite a very different financial environment vs. a few years ago, the people are generally kind and compassionate, especially as it relates to transitioning back to work as a new parent.

• I have a really great team. In the past, I’ve been a “team of one” or had some more difficult people management situations, but it’s really hard to imagine a better team than the one I have the honor of leading now. Makes my job a lot less stressful than it has been in the past.

• I mostly work from home, which means I’ll still get lots of quality time with the baby during the week! I really want to be more intentional about savoring our mornings and evenings together. I’ve definitely been guilty of scrolling on my phone with him after hours of baby time.

Other stuff

• I have some awesome mom friends who have recently gone through similar experiences and are there for all of the emotional ups and downs. Also equally important: lots of amazing non-mom friends who have been just as supportive!

• We’ll have a part-time nanny to help with childcare. What a privilege to be able to afford this, even if it means I’ll probably need to be following a stricter budget in other areas!

• I have a supportive partner who also has a relatively flexible work schedule, meaning we don’t have to spend even more money on a full-time nanny.

• Perhaps most importantly, we have a healthy, happy baby - some would say DELICIOUS with those luscious chubby thighs and rolls :)

OK, I’m sure there’s more and I will keep adding to this - send thoughts, prayers, tips, tricks for return to work my way!!!