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Most big law firms offer reduced schedule. You would likely make more working this way than through contract work. This will also give you more time to evaluate. You might feel differently in a year, and if you don’t then you can use the time to work out other options.
If you have PPD you may be able to get further unpaid leave as an accommodation. It can be challenging though certainly not impossible to return after leaving as opposed to going a reduced route. But you know you better than any of us random people so you should make whatever decision feels right to you.
Working mom of a 7.5 yo here. It sounds like maybe your husband should leave his job to stay home. My husband and I are both attorneys but I make more money. That’s definitely the type of situation that we’ve had to navigate
It would definitely make the most financial sense, but the problem is that he absolutely does not want to be a stay at home dad, and I very badly want to be a stay at home mom 😭 We’re talking about him finding a higher paying job but not entirely sure how realistic that would be.
Keep tabs on legal contract agencies for any projects that might be a good fit. You could work as a contract attorney for an area firm. Lots of them need 10-25hrs/week of help!
Sounds like a dream, thanks for the tip!!
I had 5 months for mat leave and I felt exactly how you did. I cried the first day I had to go back. I am on a reduced hour schedule and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I stay home with my LO two days a week. I get a few billable hour done those days during nap time or after bedtime (or I have my husband take over when he wfh so I can take a call). Our LO is almost 14 months. As it stands, I have no intention of going back fulltime for a while.
Apply for part time or hybrid(mostly WFH) schedule and see if they’ll let you come in only one day a week.
Yah, I only come in once a week. But, we do have a nanny comes three days a week when when I’m wfh. WFH on nanny days is still very helpful and convenient because the nanny comes to our place and I’m not rushed to get out the door for work.
From experience, it’s VERY hard to work even PT with an infant at home. I tried. I thought I would work when baby napped but in the beginning, naps were unpredictable and I never got into the thick of it before she woke up. Unless you’re able to have alternative care so you can work (like a family member, or spouse) just be prepared it is a LOT harder.
Rising Star
I was and still work PT from home at firms and find it very manageable!
Pro
I went down to 4 days a week (3 days from home, one in office) and have a nanny those 4 days (which required big adjustments to afford but is still cheaper than me quitting, and it’s worked out better for us). It’s felt really nice having the baby stay in our home with the nanny and I can take little breaks during the day to visit. My husband and I both carve out 5-7:30 for family time before logging back on too.
F
Can you refer him to your firm?
A referral would help him get his foot in the door at a big firm. Even if he only plans to work at your firm for a couple of years, he’s at least unlocked new earning potential that he can take elsewhere (if he’s on board with becoming the breadwinner while you take a step back). Just an idea 🤷♀️