Should I feel guilty working?

Question

I am currently 38 weeks pregnant. I have not worked since right before having my first child (17 months). We recently finished our basement which put us in some debt. My husband and I decided it would be helpful if I got a part time job. I am kind of looking forward to it, so that I can get out of the house. I feel bad cause I was with my son constantly and now my daughter won't have me around ALL the time. I will probably just work like 3 evenings a week, retail or something. We can't afford to pay a babysitter so it will have to be when my husband is home. I just feel kind of sad about it, even though I know it is necessary. My mom stayed home with all 6 of us so I guess that is all that I know. Should I feel guilty? I just need reassurance that so many people do this.

Answer 1

There are women (myself included) who go back to work when their babies are only 6 weeks old, and work 40+ hours a week.  Of course, we have no choice.....I'm a single parent and the only means of financial support.  No woman who works to support her child is a bad parent.....on the contrary, we are working hard and taking responsibility.

Answer 2

You should not feel guilty. Your husband will be with the kids when you are not there so it won't really matter that you are not there. He will get his time with them. They will be with one of you all the time. Even if they were not you should not feel guilty. Working to pay off debt is doing what is best for the family.

Answer 3

No! Think of it this way your working for them and their future and when you think of it 3 evenings isnt that bad- some parents have to work entire work weeks so in a sense you should feel happy and lucky :)

Answer 4

Alot of parents feel guilty about leaving a child to go to work and putting the care of there childern on somone else. So you are not alone!!!! I pray that you have a healthy baby and safe delivery!

Answer 5

no you should not feel guilty ... you're only working a few evenings its not that bad .... i tutor high school kids as a part time job and have done since i was 5 months pregnant and only ever took a day off work the day before i had my son ... now he has some grandma time until my man or myself get home from work (whoever gets home first depending on the day) You'll learn to love the time away and your husband will like having some alone time with bubs aswell

Answer 6

Don't feel guilty for anything it will cloud your judgement, rob you of sleep and can have a negative on your family.  If you have a situation that needs attention, then do your best to rectify it, but don't feel guilty.

I do not see a problem with working 3 nights (about 15 hours) a week, especially if you husband is doing the babysitting.  It will give you a break from the kids, which will give you more energy when you are with them.  A little time away from the family each week will also help you appreciate them.

You should feel blessed you do not have to work fulltime.