I say goodbye to work

19/1/2015

My beautiful leaving bouquet

Last year we made the decision that I would not return to work at the end of my maternity leave. It made practical sense with childcare for 2 children virtually equaling my salary plus I have a nightmare commute, but it was a huge decision for me.

I have worked at the same company for over ten years. I finished university on Friday and started there on Monday. I got my degree results, went on my first date with Husband, moves into our first flat, got engaged, did my professional qualifications, got married, moved to a our house, worked while both my bumps grew bigger and bigger and brought my new babies into the office to meet everyone.

And that's just the personal stuff. I have a ton of memorable work moments which punctuate my career but there is one very precious thing I will treasure about working. Yes, it have me independence. It also gave me confidence. I learnt new skills and developed a career for myself. But the best thing about my job was the people I met along the way. I was very lucky to work for most of my career in a team which clicked. Often we didn't need to speak. One look (sometimes not even a look was needed!) and we knew what the other was thinking. In short I made true friends and they will be part of my life always regardless of where we all work.

Friday was my leaving do. Despite leaving whilst on maternity leave I was tricked into the office for a leaving speech. The whole thing felt very unreal, like I was listening to one of the hundred other leaving speeches I have heard over the years (although much funnier). I kept expecting to turn around and clap someone else.

So I still have to work somewhere doing something but plans are on hold until Little E starts school in September which reduces the childcare costs. Until then I'm winging it and focusing on the girls. They are only this small for a moment.

Linking up #whatsthestory at podcastdove.com and #magicmoments at theoliversmadhouse.co.uk #binkylinky at bakedpotatomummy.co.uk Welcome to the Weekend blog hop with clairejustineoxox.com and #allaboutyou at mama-andmore.com

14 Comments

Kate link

19/1/2015 01:56:44 am

Leaving work is a huge step, but childcare bills can be so crippling. Must have been a bit of a mixture of emotions! #magicmoments

Coombe Mill link

19/1/2015 09:29:22 am

It sounds like you had a wonderful group of work pals around you. What a lovely way to send you off and I hope you are enjoying time with your girls now. #MagicMoments

ali link

19/1/2015 12:58:36 pm

It sounds like you've made a huge decision but for the better. Good luck with your next role, I'd love to be a stay at home mum. The most rewarding role anyone can do

FromMummytoMum link

19/1/2015 03:27:11 pm

This is the reason that I didn't go back to work. I would be working purely to pay for someone else to look after my child. It didn't make any sense to me.

Mama and More aka Zaz link

20/1/2015 03:38:39 am

It is such a huge decision! I think mine was a slow letting go rather than a sudden break for various reasons, and it has taken me a while to find my definition of who I am (because sadly a lot of how we view ourselves IS bound up with our work), but ultimately, yes, our children are only this age for a short time. Sure that you will find new avenues!
Thanks so much for linking up to #AllAboutYou this morning

Two Years Old and Rising link

20/1/2015 02:50:00 pm

Hello there, good for you-I agree, being a mum is the most rewarding job in the world! Best of luck with your new beginnings x #magicmoments

Morgan Prince link

21/1/2015 01:35:18 am

That's a big step but it sounds like you've made true friends and it's lovely that you'll be friends whether or not you still work there. Good luck for the next step. :) #AllAboutYou

Lianne link

23/1/2015 01:11:57 am

Its a hard decision isn't it, we've had to make the same one. I've just had my 2nd baby and we've decided for me not to return to work, it just wasn't feasible with childcare costs! The decision was made a lot easier that I didn't like the place I was working and it put a big strain on my health and wellbeing during my pregnancy. I hand my notice in in the next few days to announce that I won't be returning after maternity leave. Luckily I've had an amazing work opportunity come my way where I am able to work from home. But I feel so blessed I am able to stay at home with Taylor!! Enjoy your time with your babies!! :)

Jules link

23/1/2015 02:46:18 am

I have to make this decision too in the next month. Such a huge one. Really want to stay home with my boy after so long waiting to have a family but money will be tight! Nice to hear your experience #weekendbloghop

Mummy Fever link

23/1/2015 05:33:41 am

A big decision but you have to do what works the best for your family :)

Louisa link

23/1/2015 08:42:38 am

It is a decision that I am sure you have not taken lightly. I gave up work after my 3rd child because of childcare costs and it has worked very well for us #binkylinky

Clairejustine link

23/1/2015 11:55:30 am

Aww it sounds like a big step but you know what is best for you all. I am at the other side of your story, I am a sahm and my 4 are all older now and I need to look for work, your job sounded lovely. I am so shy at meeting new friends.

Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop

Astrid link

23/1/2015 12:08:09 pm

I cannot say I understand as i've never worked, but I do understand what it is like ot have to let go of people you met along the way when moving from one place to the next or from one activity to the next (in your case from work to staying home). I can totally get why the memory of them is the most important treasure you'll keep fromw ork. I hope some of the people will stay in your life somehow. #AllAboutYou

Emily link

25/1/2015 12:20:58 pm

It must have been hard, especially after having worked there for so long. I'm sure your children will love having you at home though. Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky