Going back to work
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Category: General Chat
Forum Name: General Chat
Forum Description: For mums, dads, parents-to-be, grandparents, friends -- you name it! And you name the topic you want to chat about!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=34008
Printed Date: 21 August 2025 at 7:31pm
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Topic: Going back to work
Posted By: caliandjack
Subject: Going back to work
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 4:11pm
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Being a SAHM long term isn't a financial option for our family. Going back to some sort of paid employment will help - my Dad has offered to provide childcare if I need to return to work.
For those of you who work I'm curious to know how you managed going back to paid employment. Did you go back to what you were doing before having children? If you've done something different how has that worked out? For those working part time have you found it better to work full days or part days? Something for the Akl mums how far / long do you commute for? ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">   [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Replies:
Posted By: Delli
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 4:36pm
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Yes, I went back to the job I loved when Jude was around 5 months old. At first I went back 3 days a week (consecutive days) 9am-3pm but after about a month moved up to 5 days a week 9-3. I liked working the part days, although if my commute had been longer then I would have thought about working full days (but same amount of hours a week.)
What I found worked really well for us was that the daycare was only 5-10mins or so away from my work. It meant that I could go and feed Jude in my lunchtimes. So I was only away from him for 3 hours at a time and got to spend an hour with him at lunchtimes. The only reason I left that job was because we decided we wanted to move north and have a go at dairy farming. I miss my old job tho!  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: HuntersMama
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 4:54pm
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I havent returned to work yet but will be going back part time when DS is 6 months.
I am going back to one of my old jobs - I had 2 x part time jobs and will be doing 3 x days. The commute is not far at all, 5 mins  childcare is on site so its really easy for me. I am not going back to the other job yet because it is over the shore and I live out South so the commute means I have to leave home by 6.45am to start at 7.30 to miss traffic.
Ill see how the full days go for DS, if it is not working for him I can spread my hours over more days. I also plan to continue BF him so will be seeing him 2-3 times a day
I have no idea how I am going to get the housework, shopping etc done though! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: oscarboo
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 5:01pm
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I went back to my old job full time with G was 14 weeks old. It was hard to leave her but I knew that that what had already been planned. I was lucky that her Dad became the at home parent and worked from home a couple of days a week while my Mum looked after her.
Hope it all works out well for you. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow">  
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 5:05pm
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I will be looking for a new job as we are relocating to Akl for DH's work.
------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 6:51pm
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I went back when M was 9 and a half months - 6 hours a day but with the commute of 30 mins on the ferry/drive it was a full day for her (lived on the shore worked in the CBD)
I went back to my original job, during a re structure and was spared by my boss, but they wouldnt negotiate by hours under the new contract / role so I took voluntary redundancy 6 months later Yes I could have argued the point under the parent laws but I couldnt be bothered with it, so my priorities had changed also (a bit of a shock to me) I did work fulltime for a bit and it was hard work , and thats with only 1 child - and running a household - when I go back again I will have a live in nanny and hopefully not work full time either ------------- http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
http://lilypie.com] 
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Posted By: monkey33
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 7:10pm
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As you would have seen from my daycare post I am going back in October - I will be doing part time 10-3 Monday to Friday.
I think there are pros & cons to both part days & full days. I think it would have been great to have worked 3 days a week (I did ask but my boss was unable to do that) as it would have given me one full day to do housework/food shop/spent time with DS, and another to do something like coffee group/swimming/music etc with DS. With working short hours though, there are also pros - I can get washing on/dinner prepared etc in the mornings and I can pick DS up and we could do the food shop on the way home/go to the park/beach or something else in summer before dinner (esp if we had put a crockpot on in the mornings). My job prior to maternity leave was around 50-60 hours per week (unpaid overtime) so I told my boss prior to leaving that I won't be returning to that role - he offered me another position with the 10-3 hours which is fantastic. I don't have any experience as a working mum as yet but I don't imagine it is going to be easy at first, but I think we will get into a routine after awhile. ------------- http://lilypie.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Shelt
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 7:51pm
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I went back to work when Gabrielle was just under 5 months old. I didn't want to but we needed the money so I just had to do it. I started back 4 days a week - two full days in the office 8.30am - 4.30pm and one day where I worked morning in the office 8.30am - 12 noon and then the afternoon from home, and one full day working from home. Working from home was a total nightmare and was only a temporary measure for 6 weeks to ease myself and G into the routine of things.
I now work 30 hours a week; Monday, Thursday and Friday are full days in the office 8.30am - 4.30pm and Wednesday is 8.30am - 1pm in the office and the afternoon working from home. I still find it difficult working from home as G doesn't sleep enough for me to get things completed and I mostly end up working at night to catch up. However, it is good to have the flexibility of working from home and it means that I get to spend time with her when I might otherwise be at work. Ok, so on to your questions: Did you go back to what you were doing before having children? Yes, I went back to the same job. I love what I do although I don't always particularly like the bullsh*t politics that comes with it. For those working part time have you found it better to work full days or part days? I have found that working full days and then having one full day off a week works better for us. It means on that one day a week (Tuesday for us) I can do "mummy stuff" like taking G to swimming, to story time at the library etc. It eases the guilt and we get to do special stuff together that we both enjoy. However, working full days does mean that she has a long day - up at 6.30am, out the door at 7.30am and usually not home till 5pm. Something for the Akl mums how far / long do you commute for? I'm not in Auckland but we live 10 mins from daycare and then its another 10-15mins depending on traffic to get to work. We leave the house at 7.30am and I am usually at my desk by 8am. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: WestiesGirl
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 10:23pm
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I've just gone back to work this week (Jackson is 9.5 months old) and everything fell into place nicely. I am in a slightly different roll, the same kind of position, but working with clients that have higher needs. Im working 4 days, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 4.30pm.
Im not in Akl but the commute all up, from the time I leave home, drop Jackson off at DC and arrive at work, its about 40 - 45 minutes (depending on traffic). I leave home at 7.35am and arrive at work around 8.15am. But, thats mainly cos I have to travel away from work for Jacksons DC. If Jacksons DC was on the same route as work I'd be at work in 20 - 25 minutes. Im pleased I've gone back full days. I'd never get what I need to get done if I only did half days. And it would be too disruptive to the position Im in. I enjoy having Friday's off, its time for me and Jackson and to get my housework/groceries done, as well as attend mothers group. I dont really need to be back at work (we can survive on DH's income), but we are committed to moving back home next year and can only do that if Im working to save the coin. Im sad that I cant be at home with Jackson but being back at work is also a good feeling. Knowing that I am contributing financially again and also knowing that we can do things without worrying is a great feeling. ------------- Our Angel July 08  Gone but not forgotten
And to complete our family, our princess has arrived 
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Posted By: minik8e
Date Posted: 12 June 2010 at 10:39pm
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I went back to work when the girls were 14 weeks old. At first, I was working a lot of random hours, because I was just a casual employee and wanted to make an impression so that I could end up with a permanent job - I was doing anywhere between 15-30 hours a week, depending on childcare. Over Christmas/New Year it was closer to 40 hours a week (DH wasn't at work so could look after the girls). Since mid-Jan though, it's settled down and at the moment I am doing 4 day weeks (Fri-Mon) with childcare shared between grandmothers and DH. The hours on Sat/Sun vary though...for example, today I did 11.30am-8pm, tomorrow I am doing 12.30-6pm. Next weekend I am only doing 4.30-8pm on Saturday, nothing on Sunday.
I didn't go back to what I was doing before I had the girls. I decided that it just wasn't worth the stress, and so I work at the Warehouse. I can go to work, do my job, and come home. There's no bringing work home with me, and I love that I can leave and not have to think about it again until I'm at work next. It also means that I have flexibility with hours, so if we have a big bill coming up, I can try to get a few more hours (and $$). I have 11.5 permanent hours, and the rest I just pick up to cover people who are on leave or sick. |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 7:11am
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Before DS1 was born I worked fulltime after hours. I went back to work when he was 3mths old but dropped 3 shifts so only worked weekends & DH looked after him in the weekends so we did not have to pay for child care. I also picked up a bit of extra work & did some from home.
We built a house in the country so travelling was 80ks each way. I put DS1 into the staff day care at work 1 day a week when he was 2. I got another job with the same company for 3 days a week in a different department & found out a few days later I was pg so only worked there a few months; I resigned from that position when DS2 was 3mths & returned to my other position. We moved back to the city before DS3 & I worked weekends till 2yrs ago as was made redundant. I earned good money for 4 days a fortnight as a lot of it was double time. After each child I only took off 3 mths. My plan is to go back to work when DS3 is 5yrs (late next yr) & want to be able to do school trips & parent help at school, so looking at part time. I have been very lucky we could do it this way. I don’t think I would have coped very well if I had to leave a baby of young child. DH told me the other day he does not want me to go back to work. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 8:33am
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DH would like me to be at home with our child too - the realty is with moving to Akl and renting out our house - is even if I'm only working 10 hours a week it will mean if the house isn't tenanted we won't be forced to sell.
Without a few extra dollars it makes everything really tight. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: jazzy
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 8:49am
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What kind of job are you looking at doing?
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 9:06am
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I usually do office admin, I'm also a qualified massage therapist - it would be nice to get a couple of cash clients in my home and maybe 10-15 hours of office work during the day there seems to be a bit about, trying to work out if full days or half days works best. I think 2 full days would be good then I can spend the rest of the time with baby and looking after the house. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Babe
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 10:28am
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Are you familiar with legal/medical stuff?? I know someone who approached companies and offered her services to transcribe paperwork, etc and she was able to do it from home. She also wrote up peoples CVs and stuff. She averaged about $150 in the hand each week and didn't have any other costs to worry about. May not be an option and its not really what you were asking sorry but I'm a SAHM so can't help on any of the other fronts -------------   
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 10:47am
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Finding other sources of income is helpful though. If I can find something to do from home then that's a bonus. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Renee & Lauren
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 10:52am
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When I had DD I went back to work (different role and company) and did 9am - 2:30pm Monday - Friday. It was a full day basically by the time I actually left home to the time I picked her up from Daycare. There are definately pros and cons about going back to work. I had to go back to work for my sanity as all my friends who had babies that I knew didn't live close by to me (at least 3 or 4 hrs drive). Now with DS it is not worth me going back to work once we add all our expenses up from me working.
1. Before and After School care for DD 2. Daycare at full time rates would be anywhere between $250 - $400 a week 3. Transport costs - petrol and also train 4. Holiday programmes But basically I wold be paying my work for me to go back to work as I would end up with no money at the end of it.   ------------- http://lilyslim.com">  http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 2:23pm
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I went back to work when the girls were 8 months old. I started off working Mondays and Thursdays and in the office from 9 - 3:30.
I have found the non-consecutive days to be unproductive or my job (Programming). Unfortunately the nanny we had couldn't give me consecutive days due to another job she had. The girls start daycare tomorrow and in a few weeks I'll be working 3 consecutive days as soon as the days come available in daycare for the girls. I went back to where I was previously as I only had been employed 6 months and they have been very accommodating in allowing me to decide the hours I want to work. Plus I had only just been promoted to a Senior position, so from the CV perspective it looks much better that I am still employed with them. ETA: I have a 30-40 minute commute to work. |
Posted By: HuntersMama
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 3:28pm
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I do massage therapy work aswell and it is great pay for the time. If you want a job when you get to Auckland PM me and Ill pass on my employers details I only do an hour or 2 at the moment and really enjoy it. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 3:39pm
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Thanks will do. It would be nice to work for someone else rather than having to do it all myself. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Renee & Lauren
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 8:22pm
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ohh Tishy - shame about your nanny situation. Whereabouts in Welly are you? I would have offered to look after your kids if you were close by ------------- http://lilyslim.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Blankney94
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 10:30pm
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After maternity leave I returned back to work Mon, Wed, Fri 9am - 2.30pm. 15 hrs per week. I find my hours and childcare arrangements ideal. I am with the same employer and previously worked fulltime. What I didn't bargain for however was being treated 'differently' when I returned to work after maternity leave. There has been a decline in work while I was away, and even though I work in a pool of workers, I find that I'm always the one being seconded around. I hate it and feel like a temp! I'm wondering whether to keep at it, as I love the hours, just not the treatment. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: emz
Date Posted: 13 June 2010 at 11:33pm
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After I had Jack, I continued working part time (10-15 hours a week) as I was when I was studying.
Now that Ava's here, I decided to finally get out and teach, so I do my 10-15 hour office job (flexible timetable so it fits around everything else) and 3-4 days relief teaching a week. I love it. TBH I'd go nuts being a full time SAHM. It makes me appreciate the kids more, as I get lazy when I'm home all the time. Commute is only 30 mins for the office job, 5-10 mins for the teaching job. I used to do non-consecutive days which I loved, but prefer consecutive ones now I'm teaching. |
Posted By: tishy
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 10:56am
Thanks for the offer, we're in the Southern Suburbs. However I am happy for the girls to be starting daycare @ 2.5yo I think they're ready for it, as am I 
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Renee & Lauren wrote:Posted By: Renee & Lauren
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 11:33am
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fair enough tishy.. gl for it ------------- http://lilyslim.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 11:38am
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I'd live to find 20 hours of work until the kids are school aged. That would be the best arrangement I get time with adults and $$ towards the family budget and they're not in care for too long. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Renee & Lauren
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 12:04pm
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Fleur - in my experience it is VERY hard to find admin roles that are within 20 - 25hrs a week. Most admin roles end up being about 30 as a minimum in a good paid role otherwise you can do Office Junior type roles or telephonist roles that are part time/ job share. ------------- http://lilyslim.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 12:09pm
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I have been keeping an eye on TM jobs and there seems to be a few part time admin roles in Akl averageing around 15-20 hours a week. I'm currently doing 30 hours 45 days a week - if we were staying I could easily drop 1 day and still get my work completed. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: Renee & Lauren
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 12:11pm
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oh must be just wellington then..lol ------------- http://lilyslim.com"> http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 12:46pm
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I went back to work after both kidlies when they were about 4 mths old. For the first month back at work after #2 he came in with me which was actually riduculously harder than I imagined it would be!
I started back at 25 hours a week, which was just too much then and I couldn't keep up, so reduced to 20 for a while and I am back at 25 a week now. We have a crazy morning though and I don't normally have time to even do the dishwasher or anything and we get home to a mess so not very nice but I do catch up eventually... I love my hours the most (9:15-2:45) as I miss the traffic. It takes 15-30 mins to get to work in the am and about 15 home as there's usually no traffic. |
Posted By: caliandjack
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 12:56pm
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Hours that are outside peak traffic would be good as there doesn't seem to be as much work out west as there is on the shore or in town - not too keen on the NW motorway during peak traffic. ------------- http://lilypie.com" rel="nofollow"> [/url] Angel June 2012 |
Posted By: xLUCKYx
Date Posted: 14 June 2010 at 1:04pm
| The NW isn't toooooo bad in peak traffic... at least I didn't used to mind it too much when I worked full time in newton. But missing all the traffic is great! |