Should You Go Back to Work After Baby? An Undecided Mom's Checklist

Updated on Feb 4, 2015 at 10:39 AM

POPSUGAR Photography

If you're wavering about whether or not to return to work after maternity leave, consider yourself lucky. For many (and probably most) women, it's not a decision; it's a necessity. But if you find yourself in the fortunate position of having a choice to make about your postbaby employment status, it's probably not one that you're going to approach lightly. Here, a few of the most important factors to consider before moving forward with your future as a new mom (and the reality is, you'll be hard at work either way!).

Crunch the Numbers

Does it make good financial sense for you to continue working? While instinct might tell you that two working parents will always yield a greater net profit than one, once you factor in childcare, that's not always the case.

Figure out a realistic childcare budget, and remember to base your own income off of your take-home pay as opposed to your salary. Also take into consideration the cost of commuting and any other expenses that you may incur in a daily work (or SAHM) day.

Consider How You Feel About Maternity Leave

If you're reading this while you're still pregnant, wait and see. If you've already had a few weeks with your new baby, think about how you feel about being home (knowing that everything changes and the newborn stage doesn't last forever).

For most moms, maternity leave is full of mixed emotions — it's exhausting, exhilarating, satisfying, and frustrating all at once. But if you already feel like you miss the sense of independence and accomplishment that came with working, that's something to keep in mind.

Can You Handle the "Time Sheet?"

This may sound crazy, but from the time I went back to work, I was always very cognizant of the number of hours that my son spent with his nanny in a given day or week vs. how much time he spent with me. It's not important to everyone, but it was important to me and eventually led to my switching to a part-time work schedule.

Explore All Options

You may have been working a 40- (or 50-, or more . . . ) hour workweek before, but that doesn't mean that it's the only way. Do some investigative work to find out if your company offers flex time or any sort of part-time work (if that's what you're interested in).

Think outside the box. Could you consult in your given area of professional expertise? Freelance? Don't assume that your work life has to be all or nothing. You may have more options than you realize.

How Happy Were You With Your Job Before?

This is the perfect time to get introspective about just how satisfied you were with your job and work environment before baby. Does the thought of returning to your office make you queasy, or have you already made a visit to show off the new baby to your colleagues and friends?

Is the work rewarding? Challenging? Is there growth potential with your current employer, or are you at a professional standstill? All things to consider before you decide to head back, or make a break.

How Will Your Decision Impact Your Relationship?

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but the shift from one member of a couple working to becoming a homemaker could have a significant impact on your relationship.

Be frank and open about how a change in your professional status will affect your finances, and how each of you contributes to the family unit.