This week has been big. No, huge.
I’ve just finished my first proper week in employment since I was 16 weeks pregnant — the same time I was made redundant. In hindsight, the redundancy came at the right time. I now realise I would have been signed off sick from about a week later anyway, and then off until Amelia arrived. But even though it was “right,” it still left a mark. So stepping back into work after all this time? It’s been emotional.
And to make it even more of a whirlwind, I wasn’t easing in gently. From Friday to Tuesday, we were away celebrating my dad’s 80th birthday in my hometown of Llandudno. There was such joy — catching up with friends, reminiscing, watching Amelia experience my old stomping grounds. But there was also the not-so-fun part: lots of travel, and a car-sick toddler. Always a balancing act, isn’t it?
Then Wednesday hit, and I started my new job.
The first two days I was shadowing the lovely person I’m taking over from. Today, I moved into office work and more training. Honestly? It’s been a lot. My brain has had to do serious mental gymnastics to take everything in. It’s left me exhausted — in a way that feels both satisfying and slightly frazzling.
But I want to share something positive too. Since Ryan started his new job a few weeks ago, I’ve been able to get Amelia into a much more predictable routine. And (drumroll, please)… she’s now sleeping through the night.
If you’ve ever been through sleep deprivation, you’ll understand why this feels like an actual miracle.
It’s incredible how much better I can function with a full night’s sleep. I feel sharper, less reactive, and just generally more me. There’s still a lot going on emotionally — starting a new role, adapting to change, learning to trust myself again — but there’s hope in the routine. I’m doing it. One day at a time.
This weekend, I’m planning to pause. No jobs. No overthinking. Just a little space to breathe, reset, and remember how far I’ve come.
💬 Can you relate to this kind of emotional back-and-forth when starting something new — especially as a parent? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
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References & Related Posts:
Mum Guilt and Going Back to Work The Power of Routine for Toddlers Why Sleep Is a Game-Changer for Parents Tips for Returning to Work After Maternity Leave
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