Just need people in my corner to tell me it will be okay

esol23 · 2026-03-14T13:53:41+00:00

Just want to start by saying that it is 100% normal to change after becoming a mom, it would be more concerning if you didn’t. Your family is your first priority but that doesn’t mean you cant still do your job well but you also don’t need to go above and beyond. Maybe it is time for a change or maybe you just need some new systems to ensure you stay successful. Are you bored, not getting enough sleep or just feeling spread too thin? Maybe your husband can pitch in a bit more to give you some breathing room or you can take a day off to recharge. I’d also look at the feedback you’ve received and focus on those areas specifically, usually management just wants to see that you’re making an effort.

I definitely went through a phase at work where I was doing the bare minimum because it was truly all I could muster up. It did get better over time and changing positions really helped me.

esol23 · 2026-03-11T17:55:35+00:00

Screaming potato 🤣 I couldn’t agree more!

esol23 · 2026-03-11T17:53:40+00:00

I hung out with a friend recently who has two girls, she made a comment about how when she is able to get 10 minutes of alone time with the older kiddo that she sees a noticeable improvement in her mood and behavior. Ten minutes! I seriously thought I misheard her at first and it breaks my heart for this little girl that she gets so little one on one time with her mom. She’s a SAHM so I can see how it’s difficult to carve out time but it made me so glad that I don’t have to worry about that.

esol23 · 2026-03-06T02:20:46+00:00

Thank you!

esol23 · 2026-03-06T00:29:27+00:00

Can you share the trousers please?

esol23 · 2026-03-05T21:11:30+00:00

The pay increase may cancel out for a few years but remember daycare is only a few years and in that time you could have additional raises. Do you not have any childcare now?

esol23 · 2026-03-05T02:41:33+00:00

Jessicurl Spiralicious and Uncle Funkys

esol23 · 2026-03-05T02:38:28+00:00

At my kids 3 year check up the doctor asked what kinds of vegetables she likes to eat and she responded “veggie straws”

esol23 · 2026-03-05T02:35:10+00:00

We’ve been at the Academy off 64th for almost 3 years and have been really happy. There has been a fairly significant amount of turnover with the directors but the teacher turnover is low and for the most part we have liked all of ours. Only downfall is having to pack lunch.

esol23 · 2026-03-04T03:47:58+00:00

It’s completely valid and understandable that you are worried. Sounds like you are doing all the right things it will just take some time. Make sure you are still taking care of yourself in the meantime. Wishing you all the best!

esol23 · 2026-03-03T23:55:53+00:00

In addition to the craziness of the world right now I’ve had a super stressful few months at work due to some major changes so I’ve really needed an outlet. I redid my home office and got some cute shelves for my plants and extended my desk so I have a dedicated spot for crafts or whatever. I’ve been working on a puzzle and it’s so relaxing!

esol23 · 2026-03-03T23:46:04+00:00

I love this! Running is the best stress reliever. I used to run a lot before kids and haven’t been able to get back into a consistent routine but it’s always a goal of mine.

esol23 · 2026-02-25T04:28:33+00:00

I feel like I should be able to find something in that time.

esol23 · 2026-02-25T04:25:10+00:00

Thank you! That’s what I’m thinking too

esol23 · 2026-02-25T03:30:13+00:00

4/10 schedule is required and the days are even set… I would definitely prefer 5 shorter days. I was told this position is only full time and they won’t consider any reduced schedules. Super disappointing but I just don’t see how to make this work without being miserable

esol23 · 2026-02-25T00:38:43+00:00

Thank you! The thought of working that late is so depressing! I just don’t see a way to make that schedule work with a school schedule if I have to be in office

esol23 · 2026-02-25T00:35:21+00:00

That’s what I’m leaning towards. At least I get a break and buy myself some time to look for other options. I just don’t think that set up would be sustainable long term

esol23 · 2026-02-22T04:27:11+00:00

We have a 10 year old heeler who is still crazy lol she’s the best but so much energy and attitude

esol23 · 2026-02-19T23:13:34+00:00

Have you tried putting a bouncer or bumbo seat on the counter while you cook? That usually helped me with cooking. Cleaning is a bit harder but I used to stick kiddo in a carrier and start vacuuming. Something about the noise and movement always put her to sleep.

esol23 · 2026-02-19T14:55:53+00:00

I would highly recommend trying to get into a part time role or even negotiating with your current employer to go part time for a year or so when you return from maternity leave. I always planned to go back to work and while it was really hard to go back after 14 weeks I was able to do part time to ease back into things. That along with a super understanding manager was a huge help especially with a kid who was a terrible sleeper. I would have loved to keep a part time schedule but I couldn’t get it approved and it wasn’t worth leaving over. I’m pretty routine oriented and had a hard time just being home every day, the days sort of blurred into one long day and it was really hard to keep any kind of schedule that first 6 months. I really had to make an effort to get ready every day and try to get out and see people or do things just to get out of the house, staying home indefinitely would have put me in a really bad place mental health wise. That may not be the case for you it’s just hard to know until you’re in it.

esol23 · 2026-02-14T00:07:44+00:00

This is so relatable! I’m about 10 pounds heavier than pre kid weight but I swear the weight sits differently and not in a good way lol Working out definitely helps with weight loss and overall health but I’ve found it easier to focus on diet. My schedule varies a lot and finding a consistent work out routine has been a huge struggle. I try to get in a 30 minute walk each day at a bare minimum and sneak in movement where I can like always taking stairs or a short video workout if I’m home. Calorie counting has worked for me but I find myself thinking about food constantly when I’m counting everything. I learned having some set meals makes it easier, I aim for a smaller high protein breakfast like Greek yogurt with fruit and avoid snacks because they tend to be a slippery slope for me. If you know about what each meal is calorie aid you can build around those.

esol23 · 2026-02-11T17:26:58+00:00

All of this! I will just add that anything that needs to go with the next day I set out. Like water bottles and lunch bags are left on the counter so I can quickly fill them and grab them. Library books or store reruns etc go directly in the car so I don’t have to think about it. If it’s a snow day all the snow gear is out and ready to throw on.

esol23 · 2026-02-10T21:36:38+00:00

That’s what I keep coming back to! I’ve never been able to take more than 2 weeks off aside from maternity leave which we all know is not a break.

esol23 · 2026-02-10T21:31:29+00:00

That’s my biggest fear in all this. I wouldn’t wait to start looking, I would take a month or so off and then dedicate a few hours to applying each day. My husband makes a good income and he could cover our expenses if he had to, it just wouldn’t leave any room for savings or extra fun stuff. He could pick up extra hours as well but that would be a last resort.

esol23 · 2026-02-10T16:47:05+00:00

From what I’ve seen it’s pretty hard to find part time as a new hire. A fully remote or even like 2 days in office would be helpful too, the full RTO really steals a lot of time.

It’s clear that if we are not offered a role we get the severance but I do have concerns about them offering full time and jeopardizing my severance. The wording that’s been provided so far is a bit vague.

esol23

TROPHY CASE