The Truth Behind Maternity Leave

Hi Everyone,

As my maternity leave is quickly coming to an end, I can’t help but wonder where the last year of my life has went. A year is a substantial amount of time to be away from the working world but it seemed to fly by. The daunting task of re-entering the world of advertising is fast approaching and I can’t help but be a little sad.  Prior to my maternity leave, when I pictured myself with a child and about to return to the working world, it seemed easy and normal. But since spending every minute of the last year of my life with my daughter it no longer feels right.

Becoming a mom changed my life. I am no longer the same person that I use to be. I am a mother, a provider, an entertainer, a chef but the thought of re-gaining the title of Search Engine Marketing Specialist just plain scares me. I have spend 11 months talking “baby-talk”, how am I suppose to have an intelligent conversation with a co-worker? So, as I approach this new chapter in my life, I thought I would “confess” the truth behind maternity leave.

I had the privilege of taking the entire maternity and parental leave in our household. Not working for a year seems amazing as you approach a maternity leave. Its a “break or vacation” from your normal everyday life. Once you leave life as a student, there aren’t many more opportunities to not have to work (unless you’re rich of course) until you retire.

My experience with maternity leave was pretty great. It went by a bit to quickly but that’s uncontrollable. Everything has there advantages and disadvantages so here are a few of mine.

Advantages:

– Getting to watch your child grow

– Teaching your child new things

– You learn new things about yourself

– You have so much fun

– You will smile more than you have in your entire life

– You get to spend the first year of your child’s life with them apposed to childcare

Disadvantages:

– Feeling lonely sometimes

– Feeling like you have accomplished nothing in a day

– Sometimes not leaving your pj

– Cabin fever

– Returning to work is daunting

– Time flies when you are having fun

Theses are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages I have personally experience on my maternity leave. Although with good comes some bad, I would never change a moment I have spent with my daughter in the last year. The thought of it all coming to an end makes me very sad but I can’t help but think of all of the amazing things to come in the future.

Until next time,

One Changed Momma