TLR with toddler

I'm a head of department but on four days a week. However I did four days a week before having my little one as well so I haven't dropped any hours at work compared to what I was used to in order to offset the parenting time! I do find it tough to leave work in time to do the nursery pick-up. Sometimes I can do a bit of work once my little one is in bed but he's been in a phase of waking very early so often I've been so shattered by that time that I haven't been able to do any work. Frankly I just do a lot less work than I used to! The only reason it's manageable is that I've been doing the job for a long time so I am basically running on autopilot. I'm definitely not as good a head of department or teacher as I was before I had a child, and I'm learning to make my peace with that 😂

@Sophie Thank you for replying. I think that's my worry. Since having my baby I have been part time but absolutely loving my job for the first time in years (new school) and wanting to get involved again at a higher level. I just can't decide whether I will be able to be the teacher/HoD I want to be as well as the Mum I want to be. Lots to think about.

It's so tough, isn't it? It's great that you're loving your job at the moment though! I would definitely struggle more if I was in a new school because I'd be trying to prove myself more. But that doesn't mean that it isn't the right thing for you to go for it! Good luck whatever you decide 😊

I'm a head of science and had the role before going on maternity leave. I definitely do less work now than I did beforehand, but I would argue what I did before was unhealthy! Like the teaching side, it's a job that never ends, so you have to prioritise and make peace with not being able to do everything. I think it helps that for the first time in years I'm not teaching anything new at the moment. I do try and do a bit at home when my daughter is in bed, but she's not a great sleeper so that's not always possible. I find there are pinch points in the year (mock exams, data collection time, etc.) and accepting that has helped me manage it I think. Good luck if you do decide to go for it!

@Alice Thank you. I think that is what I need to reconcile myself with - 5 years ago work was all I had and I put my all into it. That simply isn't possible (or what I want!) now, so it's interesting to hear that people think it is still doable. Upping my hours to full time is daunting and makes me feel guilty but in reality he is already in nursery for 30 hours a week spread across four days. Thank you so much for your comments :)