Advice on Returning to Work with My Previous Company

I agree with previous posts. The key in the situation is drawing boundaries and sticking to them. I always intended on returning to work part-time after I had my first child (and will again after I have my second). I was very worried that it would be too much, esp since there is an expectation in my small company that you will always be available for whatever work they need you to do whenever they need it: weekends, late nights, what have you (it's a 24-hr operation). I found, however, that they were actually very understanding of my part-time situation and there have been very rare occasions when I've been asked to work late, or a little from home on days I don't work, but it's not expected at all. I've actually volunteered to come in, if needed, for some weekend project work that I used to have to come in for, and they've said not to worry about it. It's has turned out to be a very positive situation for me and, similar to your situation, I am only doing the part of my job for which I'm soley qualified and necessary to the company and the part that I most enjoyed. The other headaches and nuisances have been passed along. I feel like it's a great situation and you'll obviously be in a good position if they are seeking you out to come back. They find you valuable and in that position you can and should most definitely dictate exactly how much you're willing to do. The hardest part for me was actually adjusting to letting go and passing along the stuff I was so used to doing, but did not like and could be done by someone else.

Good luck with your decision!

I agree with the other poster - being very firm about your boundaries is the key here. In my opinion working 2 days per week is really ideal - I wish I could do that! Instead I work full time, but am also very firm about my boundaries. If you are only getting paid for 2 days per week then you need to learn to say "no" to any optional/extra responsibilities that will put you over that time. If you get any resistance on this you need to remind your employer that you are only working 2 days per week.

I'd do it if I were you. Especially since it sounds like you liked the job - just not the stress.

If it what you enjoy doing and you were considering teaching (which would have probably taken even more time - preparing,teaching and grading), I think it is a win/win. At my company, if someone is contracted, then they are paid by the hour...so if you/they agree to more hours, you get paid for working them. Not like when you are salaried and you have to get the job done.

Try it, if it works, great. If it doesn't you can still look at the other options you have. Also, this will allow you to decide if you want to add more when you daughter is in school for more hours/day.

Good luck!

Hi. A very similar thing happened to me. I was reluctant to go back to my employer after having been at home for nearly three years because of all the stress associated with my job. Then, I fell into a part-time position doing what I loved. I now only work two days a week and then I'm at home the other days. At first it was an adjustment (waking up really early, planning for babysitting, getting organized, etc.), but once I got over that, it's been a breeze!

The secret to success, I think, is knowing your boundaries and being very up front about them. If you are contracted to work certain days--work those days and only those days! Let others know what to expect so you don't get guilted into working additional hours. Once everyone understands your new role, it should work out pretty seemlessly.

Good luck!