Returning to Work After Maternity Leave - Ways To Make the Transition Easier

Returning to work after maternity leave can be one of the hardest times you will face. You will probably go through the stages of feeling guilty about leaving your child, feeling despair about the changes in the coming weeks and feeling anger at the fact that you have to go back. Although balancing work and your baby will eventually become the norm, here are a few steps you can take to make returning to work after maternity leave a little easier on both of you.

Returning To Work After Maternity Leave: 4 Steps To Make The Transition Easier

1. Set Priorities: This sounds like a no brainer, but many people find it hard to accomplish. Getting back into the swing of things at your workplace is not easy. Time will make this transition easier, but in the beginning your priorities at work and home are very important. At work, make your priority work. Don't focus on your guilt or anger and try not to spend too much time "checking in" on your little one or worrying. At home, make family your priority. Leave work at work and dedicate time off to your family. If you have to bring work home, save it for after your baby goes to bed. When you are home and baby is awake, make that your priority. Bottom line: work is work, home is home.

2. Teamwork: If you have a spouse or significant other, ask for help. Divide up household chores and mealtimes. It can make a huge difference when everything doesn't fall on you. If you are a single mom don't be afraid to ask for help from family when you need it.

3. Self Care Time: This goes hand in hand with setting priorities. Always make sure to set some time aside for yourself. This is so important when returning to work after maternity leave. The busy life you are about to lead will leave no time for you, unless you schedule it in. Just an hour or two here and there can make a significant difference in your mood and the way you interact with your family.

4. Strive For Work Flexibility: Before returning to work after maternity leave check to see if your employer can offer you a more flexible working situation. This can be done through flextime, telecommuting or a compressed workweek. All of these options will allow you to maintain your full time income and be home with your baby more.

What If You Really Don't Want To Go Back To Work?

Returning to work after maternity leave is difficult no matter how you look at it. If you are having a hard time getting motivated to go back to work why not look into other options like working from home. It has never been as easy as it is now to work from home thanks to the Internet. Many are choosing to run an online home business which allows them to work when they like and as much as they like. An Internet home business leaves you and only you in charge of your time and income. Not to mention you get to be home with your baby all day long!