[catnat]

For me it was initially money. We had For Sale signs on the front of our house as we just couldn't afford to stay. When I received that phone call offering me a job (H was only 3 months old) that $400'ish a fortnight extra that I'd be ahead by working part-time was totally worth it.

What came with it though was sanity. I was going out of my tree with 3 children under 2 and the baby had terrible reflux. I found I really enjoyed the change of scenery and the challenges work provided. I was however very lucky that I was able to work half days so that I could still breastfeed and DH was able to re-arrange his shifts and H was only in FDC for 1/2 a day.

In your position I'd probably do it. 2 days a week isn't a lot.

[Aribika]

I agree with the majority of pps. Two days a week with school friendly hours is a dream come true for me !

Lorraine

[Madeline's Mum]

The challenge, adult stimulation, career advancements, 6 figure income that allows us to buy a house in a great catchment, financial stability for my son and sanity.

[BornToLove]

It's simple - I am not SAHM material. I feel I'm a better mother and partner when I'm working. Being able to take vacations and maintaining a decent savings account are bonuses.

[Sunnycat]

So that I can afford a cleaner.

[ms flib]

I found going back to work really hard the last time. I had a child at school, a preschooler at kindy and a baby in cc. I did get a return to work bonus that kept me there that first year. I nearly quit my job but now my youngest is a school, I am loving it. I have increased my hours from 2 days to 3.5. I have taken on extra responsibilities and I'm being paid more. I'm so glad I struggled through!

[Pearson]

Both times I went back to work for $ reasons.
But I actually enjoy work. I like the social aspect of it, but I dont really like mother's groups. I spent before mat leave, 40 (sometimes more) hours per week with the people I work with, so of course them not being around is a massive change.
I enjoy what I do for a job at this time (for DS, I left my old job, got a new pt one) and so returned to that job. It pays well, I like what I do, it is fantastic. I did return to work 4/5, and am now back full time. DD is very active, and loves daycare. It is very hard for us when we are on holidays to keep up with her!

[-Emissary-]

Everything.. but most importantly, my future.

I could have bummed at home for another year before returning to work but I didn't want to hinder my career any further.

[tibs]

I didn't want to go back but the money was too good to pass up. I do 2 days per week 9-5 and get $800 per week after tax. I wish I earnt less because then it would be easier to walk away from

[bubblegummum]

I returned to work for a tiny amount of money. That tiny amount of money did make the difference between slowly getting into debt and just keeping our heads above water. My superannuation built up. I work in a profession that requires years of experience to be competent and I didn't want to be away for too long. The first few years with 2 in childcare were tough but it soon paid off financially. I could have waited another couple of years to save on childcare costs but my career would have suffered, and because I have 4 kids overall I was out of the workforce (excluding very casual jobs while studying) for about 10yrs. I think though that the biggest motivator was the money. The financial stress we were under was killing me.