I just had a baby and am off work until January. I'm debating whether or not to go back. I told them I would be going back part-time, so they hired someone for my maternity leave and she will be offered a permanent position based on the days I work. I'm not sure, but I think they will make her part-time in January. My boss has said he really wants to keep me as an employee, and I'm doing some work from home on maternity leave.

I was originally planning to go back 2 days a week in the office and one day from home. My husband can take the baby to work with him those 2 days a week until May (we're trying to avoid daycare). Also in May, someone I can't stand comes back to work. I talked it over with my husband and the plan was for me to stay at home as soon as possible. So, if I go back I'm planning to quit in May.

It will be very close money-wise and if I did go back to work, all the money would go to the hospital bills. I also haven't talked to my boss about working exclusively from home, which is a possibility, I think.

My question is whether I should go back in January. I assume I'll have to go back at least 2 weeks so I don't have to pay back my insurance (I don't qualify for FMLA). Is it fair to my employer to go back part-time in January and not say anything about leaving in May? I hate for them to lose the new girl that was hired and trained if I'll be leaving for good in a few months.

That's a tough decision and a very personal one. I can only say that I made the decision to stay home w/my baby and enjoyed every minute of it; however, my then-husband left me for another woman. Fast-forward to now, and I am having a difficult, if not impossible time, trying to get back into the administrative office job field. My advice to a mom would be to work part-time in a position where you continue to use your skills, do not have any gaps in your employment record, and can return immediately to the workforce if the need ever arises. This way you can enjoy raising your child, too. It is so hard to get jobs in this new economy and once you quit, you've lost your foot in the door. Good luck with your decision.

Ok, firstly can you afford not to go back? If not, then I think you know the answer that you have.

Is it fair regarding leaving in May? I would give them at least 5 weeks notice so that they can find, hire and train somebody else if need be.

To be honest, as a mother of 3 I know how hard it is to leave your children. I had a year off for my twins and my first child and wasn't even really ready to go back to work when I did after a year.

Do not take any decision lightly. Trust your instincts.

Do what is best for you and your family, try to give fair notice if you decide to leave. You may want to ask if you can just work from home without returning to the facility.