My husband and I are doing shared parental leave. I returned on Monday, it was ok. Like you said bittersweet. Missed my little one like mad and keep thinking of his firsts that I might miss, but it was nice having other adults to talk to 🙈.
I'm going back in March. I work from home & my work have been fab and are "making" a new job role for me so that I can still have my wee one around! My husband would prefer if I didn't go back to work so ill see how it goes but it's good to know I have his support either way! I'm on SMP and it's just awful!
Was due back in December but pushed to April. Only had full pay for 14 weeks then rest is unpaid leave as partner is doing shared parental leave as has a better policy paying way more. Going back in April but might push until his one and remain on unpaid leave. It’s giving me so much grief the thought of returning to work and leaving the baby. Don’t know what I’ll do but no pay and stat pay is awful! Companies should do better!
Went back in November, self employed hairdresser, only 2 days a week, did the same with my first, quite like the break and money 😂
Back to work in February for 2 days a week.. can’t believe how quickly it’s come round! 😢
I’ve just gone down to statutory pay and it’s very tricky (single mum so it’s my only income and doesn’t even cover half my mortgage). I knew this would be the case, but thought we would manage, and because my baby was born 2.5 months premature, I want to get to at least 9 months past my due date before returning, so I could start weaning her etc. But eating into my limited savings is now really stressing me out. So - if I can sort childcare - I think I will go back earlier. Such a hard decision as she is still so young - developmentally will only be 6 months - but it feels too precarious and don’t want to risk our future by having no savings left.
I am on statutory pay now after being on half pay for 4 months. Its hard but I am taking 12 months off. You need to do whatever works for your family and what is manageable