Back to Work!

mummy2thea

Well as the title states, I have finally taken the plunge and decided to find a job and get back into the working world! Actually I have already found a job and it is scarig me no end that in 2 weeks time I need to take my baby to nursery and go to work for 8 hours a day. Seriously how am I going to have enough hours in the day to get everything done?!!
So after spending the last year freaking out and attempting to build a wardrobe for a live as a sahm, I must now have a rethink and sort myself out with a capsule work wardrobe, really not looking forward to this. Anyway trusty ylf comes to my rescue I hope. I don't want to spend too much money and remember it is hot here most of the year. I currently have 2 trouser suits 1 black and 1 grey, 2 black skirts and 1 white shirt, no appropriate footwear that I can recall. I should probably mention that I need to be pretty smart too, where should I start? I want to build a basic capsule wardrobe that I can build on when I get paid and know that I like the job too of course! Any help will be greatly appreciated. I am having a bit of a downer at the moment and my hate hate relationship with clothes is taking over. I need some pick me ups and words of wisdom before trawling the shops.

16 years ago

General

11 replies

Latest reply was from mummy2thea

Louise

Veteran

To start i'd build a small collection of tops which can be worn with everything, same goes for accessories so it's all interchangeable x

16 years ago

PalmFronds

Active Member

Hey Mummy2, My best advice to you is this: don't be too hard on yourself!
The love-hate relationship you have with clothes right now wil spill over into everything, I know because I went through it when I returned to work--the house was never clean enough, my outfits never smart enough, my daghters not cared for enough etc etc etc.It can drive you up a wall!Everyone was supportive around me, but I kept cutting myself down.
It's a challenge returning to work, and leaving your beautiful little one behind. Keep a stiff upper lip and be sure to follow your gut on this if you can.I ended up HATING being back to work and eventually left to come home after 9 months.I stayed at home with my daughters for a year, during which I worked nights and weekends when I could to pick up some extra cash(my husband stayed with them during those times). I was ready t head back this year, so I did.
As for clothes, you seem to have a good foundation there with 2 suits, the white shirts etc. I would suggest two pairs of comfortable shoes, one in a basic color like black or brown, another more fun but still classic like burgundy.Shirts can be tough if you are not at your goal/baseline weight o stick with those with some coverage and stretch.If you like color they are the best way to inject a bit of style into work wear and be functional also(a good budget stretcher in my opinion). I am sure Angie and everyone else on YLF will give you great pointers--they did for me!
Do get one *fun* thing that makes you smile when you go to work--a bag you love, those burgundy shoes, a great scarf, some jewelry etc.There will be some challenging days and having even one small thing to make you smile or laugh will be great, and having it linked to work makes it even more important so work becomes more welcome and not a burden.Good luck!

16 years ago

April

Veteran

As for the "how am I going to have enough hours in the day to get everything done" question, it's pretty simple: you're not. You'll have to figure out what's most important to you, and selectively ignore some things to make time for others. (For me, for example, eliminating TV-watching has been a huge help.)

At first you may feel overwhelmed, but over time you'll develop routines that work for you. Don't give up! In terms of clothing, you're very smart to think "capsule wardrobe" and it seems that you're well on your way to creating just that. I read a quote last week from Michael Kors: "70 percent of the clothes you own should be meat and potatoes. 30 percent should be icing and fluff — that’s colour, pattern, shine, accessories. Too many women get the proportions the other way round, then can’t figure out why they can’t get dressed.”

Keep us posted on how you're doing!

16 years ago

Anonymous

It is heartbreaking to have to go back to work and leave your baby with a sitter. Try to remember that kids are social little people and your child will most likely enjoy and learn from the new enviroment, although not before screaming when you leave her to make sure you get a good dose of guilt every morning! Being a Mom is a tough job, but oh the rewards. Mine are 35 and 31 now and the rewards are great including a grand daughter.
Good luck with your new job. I hope you love it.

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

I have a million things to say and will get back to you later with some of them!

Just wanted to say now, though, that you have looked stunning in everything we have seen you in so far, and I am sure that you will look wonderful in your work clothes..

16 years ago

mummy2thea

Active Member

Thanks for the advice so far ladies. Palm I think you are right with your comments, it already seems to be getting that way if I am honest! I am going to try and get a shopping day next week when I have someone to Look after Thea. Firstly though I am going to make a list of the things that I think I need to get to stop my aimlessly trawling through the shops and buying things that don't work. I guess I just want to adopt that apparent 'effortless' sense of style that so many of you ylf ladies already have!

16 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Good luck with your new job M2T, it is scary returning to work after maternity leave but also nice to return to the adult world. Are you still in Dubai? I would be tempted to follow Kristen and invest in a couple of sheath dresses (machine washable if possible) to add to your capsule. I would then concentrate on accessories such a necklaces and silk scarves to keep your look fresh.

With regards to getting everything done, this is probably the hardest adjustment. My priority is spending time with the family after work, as a result the house is not up to to scratch. I'm more concerned about forming strong relationships with the children than housework.

16 years ago

mummy2thea

Active Member

I found a few nice dresses in H&M yesterday, they were sleavless too which would work in this heat. I am still in Dubai, its the first time I have worked here so its all new to me! Also I will be workig for an interior design company with lots of super stylish looking people, so no pressure then lol!

16 years ago

anne

Veteran

Hi I'm back.
I agree that getting a dress or 2 is a good idea, and also a pair of shoes and a couple of tops to wear with your suits. I think that'd give you enough to get started on.

Your shopping list idea sounds great. Will you get to shop in your lunch break at your new job. That childfree browsing time was something I enjoyed when I went back to work after baby no 1.

In terms of your worries about going back to work, here are a few tips about managing which might help

- I agree with Julie about putting relationships and time with your children as a first priority after work
- If you can afford it, getting a cleaner once a week or fortnight can be a boon
-making larger quantiies of meals and freezing extras for later saves time (I am a SAHM now, and I do this all the time)
-planning meals ahead of time saves thinking time ( I can't believe it took me 11 years of marriage to start doing this - though I need to take my own advice and start doing it again!)
- try and set things up (before you start) so that during your first week back at work things will be easier at home because a it is always tiring during that learning curve time
-if you are a night owl type person prepare as much as possible for the day ahead the night before

Hope it goes well!

16 years ago

rute

Veteran

Welcome back!

I think all your fears will pass soon and you'll find yourself enjoying your new work!

You'll have time for everything, you'll see!

I think you have already good basics for your. Think of how you can have fun with work wardrobe capsule and not just as a more boring capsule. Working clothes can be fun too.

Here are some suggestions that you can mix with the basics you already have. You won't need to a lot, just mix and buy a new piece now and then..

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/6

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/daywear/3/5

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/4/4

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/7/4

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/8/3

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/11/5

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/13/4

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/14/2

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/19/7

http://www.next.co.uk/shopping/women/workwear/18/5

16 years ago

mummy2thea

Active Member

lol excuse my various spelling mistakes! Anne thank you for taking the time to give me those tips I am already trying to get the freezer stocked and the cleaner will be extending her hours to help me out too. I have already sussed that I may well get some shopping time during my lunch break, and I will be working righ tnext to one of the really big Malls so pretty lucky there too.
Rute there were some great pieces there from next, so I will get myself down there this week to have a look. So far I have decided on at least 1 dress 4-5 tops to mix with suits trousers and skirt and 2 pairs of shoes, as well as some accessories and a nice new bag. That should be my first months wage spent then! lol!
I might experiment with buying online to get a few bargains, if of course I can get shipping sorted out.
Thanks again to everyone.

16 years ago

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