First time mom + MSL
Currently on mat leave with my 6 week old and return in 6 weeks. Prior to having my baby, I was super focused on career progression and put in a LOT of work and travel with my current company (about 3 years, have been promoted) knowing that I wanted to put in the work early before trying for kids.
Now I’m dreading going back because I can’t stand the thought of traveling away from my tiny little human. How did you make it work as an MSL with your very young baby? What did childcare look like for you? Any regrets or do you feel like things are ultimately better as an msl vs something clinical? All I can think is that at least with clinical I know I would drop down to something part time. It’s also specifically the thought of having to travel that gives me anxiety.
I also wonder how this will affect me in the workplace - so far everyone has been supportive but I just feel like when I come back, words of support don’t always translate to actions. And although I’m not as keen on promotions and such, I wonder if it will negatively impact me. Which would lead to me being annoyed that I can’t be with my baby and work is screwing me over lol. Feeling guilt that I am being a bad mom and a bad employee.
Contemplating an in house role but not too many companies in my TA around me/something fully remote but those don’t come around super often. This is ultimately my goal although can’t happen at my current company since I don’t live in the HQ city.
Sorry for the slight rant - my brain is a bit jumbled from the sleep deprivation :)