https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:02:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2924039 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:17:44 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2924039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband worked through this with the public, I have been back in the office through the worst surge, and the kids made it back to school full time before the end of the year. I miss telework for the kids not for covid. And I never really WFH more than a couple weeks without going in to the office at all. We were always sort of hybrid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2924033 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 06:40:39 +0000 wrkbrk 2924033@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for chiming in, all. Next Monday is supposed to be our return but we’ll see. I am considering doing the minimum in person I can get away with for the summer at least. My son on the other hand LOVES camp and it’s 90% outdoors with masks so I feel happy about that. Good luck to everyone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2924030 Wed, 09 Jun 2021 16:48:31 +0000 MoonMoon 2924030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with you! The pandemic was difficult for many reasons but getting to be cozy at home and safe from the world with my little family was actually one of the bright spots. We're not in any rush for the inevitable, I don't know when we'll fly or even eat inside a restaurant. I'm back to work at the hospital and school and my husband's job will be back in person in the fall so I'm going to savor these last few weeks or months. My therapist has told me not to apologize for feeling anxious and wanting to take time to feel normal again.</p> <p>How did your return to the office go? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923966 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:43:35 +0000 LadyDi 2923966@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know if I would say that I am nervous, but I have felt some social anxiety creeping back into my life. I have dealt with this on and off my whole life but haven't experienced any anxiety for a couple years pre-pandemic and threw out my xanax prescription that I kept on hand if I really needed it. This anxiety was really unexpected because I haven't consciously felt nervous at all and have just been excited for our lives to feel busy and full this summer. But then two weeks ago before traveling to see some family I felt it start back up. I am planning on talking to my pcp about it, I just haven't made an appointment yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923965 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 12:49:01 +0000 MrsSCB 2923965@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’ve actually learned that I don’t want to WFH full time, I just hope to maintain some level of flexibility. Pre-pandemic, I WFH once a week. I feel like my ideal would be two days in the office and three at home. My workplace is having us all go back at the end of July, starting with two days a week. I kind of hope that schedule continues to be an option, but I guess we’ll see how people do! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923964 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 11:56:43 +0000 Jessiemuller88 2923964@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ElbieKay: SAME!! I’m thankful for the time we have had as a family over the past year, but I actually decided to go back to work a year early because I’m losing my mind too. I start teaching again in August, and all the kiddos are coming with me. I’m 100% savoring these last two months at home, but I’m also very ready to go back to work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923962 Fri, 04 Jun 2021 09:57:10 +0000 ElbieKay 2923962@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am losing my mind being at home with three kids and not quite enough childcare. I am counting down the days til July when all three kids will finally be in camp five days per week and I can count on some quiet and calm in my house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923959 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:04:57 +0000 Mama Bird 2923959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know how I'll go back to "normal" either. I haven't actually been isolated from people - a lot of my job is in person, the older kids go to school in person, and we've been (carefully) meeting up with friends and family. </p> <p>Only, it so happens that for the last year I've only seen some of my coworkers on Zoom, and haven't seen others at all. And I keep trying to imagine us all gathering back in the office with one year of wildly different experiences behind us. I can't see it. Some of us have been through all kinds of trauma, and some of us have barely seen other people, and some of us just carried on as usual. I can totally see myself either blowing up or starting to cry over some innocent question, and am probably not the only one who sees nothing in the same old light any more. Not good, and I'm not sure what to do to head back to the office without too much drama :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923958 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 09:53:28 +0000 Mrs. Carrot 2923958@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, very much so. My parents came to visit for the first time in 18 months. Everyone is fully vaccinated except my daughter (who's still at home/virtual school) so I felt OK about it but then we got asked to brunch at a friend's house (adults are vaccinated but their kid, like mine, is not and their kid goes to school in person) and I'm stressing about whether to go. I also run a large team at work that delivers training and I have to make recommendations on coming back to in-person program delivery - how to keep my customers safe, keep my staff safe, what's OK to ask and do especially now that most restrictions have been lifted, etc. And my kiddo is heading to full time camp in a few weeks as well, which will be her first foray out of the house since March 2020 as well, and I'm both very excited for her and anxious about the potential implications. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923951 Mon, 31 May 2021 19:12:48 +0000 pachamama 2923951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I know, 12 weeks is so young 😭😭 glad you got that time with her!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923950 Mon, 31 May 2021 19:11:37 +0000 pachamama 2923950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: I totally get this whole feeling. Our entire lives and basically outlook on life was upended and going back to "normal" is so hard. Being home all day every day to being back in the office away from your child ...😭😭<br /> It really was an adjustment for me- I am finding I have little social stamina. I refuse to commit to anything that we don't 1000% want to do as a family. I get tired easily after social interactions; it's so weird. I miss the simpler times but DAMN it feels good to get dressed up, have BBQs, even stupid kids bday parties (as long as they're not too long lol).<br /> I suggest just really laying low those first few weeks so you can adjust literally to the different neural activity you brain will experience 🥴 (I'm an HSP so I get overwhelmed easily) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923944 Sun, 30 May 2021 23:13:30 +0000 karenbme 2923944@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m also feeling sad to give up the family time we gained during the pandemic. DD went back to daycare in the fall, and it was really hard. We still have 2 hours of family time in the morning and another 2 in the evening, but once DH starts commuting again we’re going to lose our peaceful mornings, which will be so sad. (I am permanently remote now.)</p> <p>I’m also 100% sure that after almost a whole year home with my daughter, I’ll never be able to send a second baby to daycare full time at 12 weeks. DD was in daycare for about 3 weeks before everything shut down and even though I love my job, I cried about it every day. She was so tiny and I couldn’t let go. I don’t know how I would keep my job and be Mama to a second baby without pandemic circumstances, but being there for every first this time around was so special. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923943 Sun, 30 May 2021 13:20:12 +0000 Fawn 2923943@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel the same way. I have gotten so used to our new normal - me and my husband working from home and our 2 year old in daycare 3 days a week. I really don't want this to change. </p> <p>Now that I have gotten used to spending so much time with my daughter throughout the week I'm honestly not willing to give this up and go back to seeing her for just 30 mins before she goes to bed Mon - Fri. I plan to ask for more flexibility at work so I can keep working from home 2 days a week and modify my hours so I get home earlier. If they aren't willing to be flexible I plan to look for a new job. </p> <p>No real advice as I'm struggling to figure out a way to make this more manageable as well since I've realized I'm not ok with going back to how things were before covid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923942 Sun, 30 May 2021 11:20:34 +0000 bhbee 2923942@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m with you. Our re-entry will be slower but it’s really strange! The time together and greatly reduced running out the door and time in the car were all big silver linings that will be hard to give up. No advice though, I think just jumping in will be my approach but not sure how that will go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-nervous-to-re-enter-the-world#post-2923941 Sun, 30 May 2021 10:15:12 +0000 wrkbrk 2923941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,<br /> Feeling all the things today. My son (5) starts summer camp on Tuesday, full days, 5 days a week, after being home with me every single day since March 13, 2020. I’ve been making jokes and counting down the days for months, and now that it’s here, I’m freaking out. Not really even about covid - I just don’t feel ready to end what was a weirdly peaceful and insular and safe 15 months together as a unit of 3. Also, I found out Friday I go back to the office June 14 so that’s adding to my anxiety.</p> <p>Anyone else feel this way? How did you soothe the negative feelings?<br /> PS I absolutely don’t mean to minimize the hardship of the past year for SO many people. I hope my sadness/fear about flipping back to “normal” doesn’t come across as entitled and clueless. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919197 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:50:17 +0000 graceandjoy 2919197@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: That's true. With a baby it's hard! For me my husband has been full time babysitter to our 8 month old; but me being home will alleviate him with my older girls once they're home from school. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919195 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 09:30:39 +0000 karenbme 2919195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nwm: Thanks! I'm in data science, so permanent remote has been an option for me for a while due to demand for talent. I didn't think I wanted remote before, but I've loved it these past few months, and opening myself up to jobs outside VT is huge in terms of finding things that will help me continue to grow.</p> <p>@graceandjoy: Thanks! Permanent remote doesn't really solve my childcare challenges since DD is 11 months now and it can be next to impossible to work and keep an eye on her at the same time, but at least it would be a guarantee that I wouldn't be opening myself up to the liability of an office environment right now. We're actually currently paying for a daycare spot we're not using because we know at some point this is going to stop working, and want to be ready for that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919192 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:56:21 +0000 graceandjoy 2919192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: Fully remote would be awesome! I hope something pans out! I would totally jump at an opportunity like that too. My biggest headache currently surrounds childcare since I can't WFH as much as I'd like to. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919191 Wed, 23 Sep 2020 08:46:49 +0000 nwm 2919191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: i am so excited for you to hear this update!! fingers crossed for you! it's funny, six months ago i'd have told you i could never do a remote job and now i totally think permanent remote sounds great. hope the little one is doing great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919186 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 23:24:42 +0000 karenbme 2919186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@graceandjoy: Yeah, I’m definitely not getting laid off... 🙁 it would be so much easier if they would just make the decision for me even without severance or unemployment. When it rains it pours, though, and suddenly after 2 months of sending out resumes I’ve gotten 4 interview requests, completed two interviews and have second interviews scheduled for both all in the past five days. All for jobs I’m really interested in, two of which would be permanently remote (which is my ideal). So we’ll see.</p> <p>@ChitownRo: Yeah, that must feel great, although I agree there’s probably a honeymoon period. I do feel like getting out of the toxic environment I’m in will be a huge stress relief no matter what the plan is, and I really do love my work when I’m in a positive environment and doing the specialized part of my job. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919179 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 15:54:43 +0000 ChitownRo 2919179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FWIW, I just quit my job to SAHM and life is much easier now. Could be a honeymoon period but my stress level is much more manageable </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919159 Tue, 22 Sep 2020 09:49:32 +0000 graceandjoy 2919159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you can swing it financially, I would. But depending on what you do, just be prepared for the possibility that you might be out of work longer than you think or would like to be... </p> <p>Ultimately you can stay for a while and see what happens, but if it starts to affect you mentally and you're bringing that back home, then it's time to leave for sure. I would also just put it out there that if you get laid off then you can at least collect unemployment! But you're saying it's not likely? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919052 Thu, 17 Sep 2020 10:56:57 +0000 Mommy Finger 2919052@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Normally I am leery of leaving the workforce if you plan on wanting to get back into it because it's an unfortunate truth that many women have to either start over or at least start at a lower level than they were at previously when they come back. Though to be honest, I don't know what line of work you're in so that might not be the case, especially if you keep up with your contacts and continue to network. However, with everything that is going on, I don't think people will bat an eye as much with a time gap on your resume. This is a decision that you will have to make for yourself, with your SO, to decide what's best for you and your family. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919049 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 20:16:49 +0000 winter_wonder 2919049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: but you may find something even better in several years after being at home with your child for awhile. Even if you dont use the degree for several years (or ever again of you don't want to) I dont think it's wasted bc it made you who you are, gave you that academic experience, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919044 Wed, 16 Sep 2020 08:04:13 +0000 karenbme 2919044@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: thanks... I wish there was a possibility of a buy out, I would take it in a heartbeat. But it’s clear at this point that they want me to stay. 🙁</p> <p>@LadyDi: You’re right, I have posted before about being on the fence about working. I had a really hard time transitioning back when DD was 3 months old. But I love my work when the culture isn’t toxic and I worry about what challenges I would have with going back in a field where the tech is constantly evolving. Even a 12 month gap will leave me behind the curve, but I also have lots of good experience and networks, so who knows. I do feel really guilty about not using degrees I paid $$$ for (although I don’t have any remaining student debt). I have no doubt that I would also love being a stay at home parent, we’ve kept DD out of daycare since March and being with her all day has been so precious. Are you planning to go back into the workforce at any point? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919030 Tue, 15 Sep 2020 13:36:54 +0000 LadyDi 2919030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in a similar-ish work situation and didn't return after maternity leave for my second child. It was a toxic work environment, my mentor/direct supervisor (who I LOVED working for) left the company, I reported up through a woman who fostered a very negative culture. I was really good at my job though, and had an opportunity for advancement and the thought of moving up there just made me feel anxious and sick....so I took that a sign and didn't go back. Sometimes it's hard...I miss working and using my brain in that way. But I don't miss that environment though, and especially now I am so happy to be home with my kids (I have three ages 5 and under). I think you've posted before about thinking about staying home with your daughter. I would say do it if you think it will make you happy. The universe might be telling you something! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2919009 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 14:03:48 +0000 wrkbrk 2919009@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I might actually stick around for a bit and see what may be in it for you if you leave. You never know if they’ll offer a buy out or settlement - even a few months salary would help set you up! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2918993 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 06:28:39 +0000 bhbee 2918993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I say listen to your heart - since it works financially - it sounds to me like your heart is in leaving! I think my only logistical question would be can you afford to stay out of the workforce an indefinite time, since the economy is such an unknown right now. If so, go for it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2918992 Mon, 14 Sep 2020 05:38:28 +0000 karenbme 2918992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bing: @winter_wonder: Thanks... I so wish I could trade places with the woman who is definitely getting fired because she is the primary breadwinner for her family and will probably have to move with her two middle school aged kids and I just don’t care or want to be there at all right now. If they ask anything that I’m uncomfortable with (lay off team members, return to on site before it feels safe, etc.) I’m going to walk away. I just don’t know if I should do it now and save myself a couple of months of stress/struggle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bloodbath-at-work-what-to-do#post-2918991 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 23:55:37 +0000 winter_wonder 2918991@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@karenbme: I say if you can make it work financially I would leave. You could always do something on the side or pt if you stay home? </p> <p>Work culture is huge, it's so hard when it's toxic. I'm sorry :bummed: </p>