https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 15 May 2026 12:46:05 +0000 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-2918989 Sun, 13 Sep 2020 21:50:54 +0000 karenbme 2918989@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The organization I work for recently hired a new president (my second level manager). In two months half of his direct reports have left and now he’s starting to engage with people at my level. My boss (who I loved working with) is gone with no replacement yet and we all believe at least one if not both of the other people who reported to her are on the chopping block. I appear to be safe. But if I’m the lone survivor or one of two survivors from our leadership group I can’t imagine the culture will be positive for me/us. I’ve been looking for something new but covid economy and all... I’ve also been thinking about walking away and being a full time mom for a little while to DD who is 10 months old (which would work for our family cash-wise with a small amount of belt tightening). Just wondering if anyone had been through anything similar and how you navigated the situation. The new president seems like someone I don’t want to work for so I’m not planning to stay long term, just wondering if I should end it now. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-current-work-situation#post-2904325 Tue, 03 Dec 2019 19:50:59 +0000 Purpledaisy 2904325@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>SAHM, WOHM, WAHM? </p> <p>Or something else? </p> <p>Do you enjoy it? Do you see it changing in the future? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/interview-question-stipulation#post-2819640 Tue, 01 May 2018 13:51:54 +0000 annem1990 2819640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH is in the final stages of the interview process for a new job. It’s a small company. He’d be the only person with this particular job title. </p> <p>We have a 10 day trip to Europe planned in July. DH seems to think the ability to go or not would be a dealbreaker for accepting the job. It’s already paid for and he would hate to miss it. </p> <p>My question: Do you bring up the trip in the interview? If they make an offer? I SAH and he’s had the same job since college so we’re totally unaware of what’s appropriate! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/linkedin-or-flexjobs-helpful-in-job-hunt#post-2809333 Mon, 12 Mar 2018 16:42:52 +0000 Mrs. Smoothie 2809333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So this is my first post on the boards! I wanted to check out what you lovely ladies think. I'm looking into going back to work full time, or least more hours than I get from teaching. Has anyone had success using LinkedIn or job websites like Flexjobs? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-would-be-your-ideal-work-status#post-2807153 Fri, 02 Mar 2018 10:43:48 +0000 kiddosc 2807153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>One of my co-workers just resigned to stay home with her son and I was momentarily jealous before remembering that I'd really struggle staying home full time with my kids. </p> <p>In a perfect world, would you work full-time, part-time, or stay at home? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/job-madness#post-2760817 Sat, 22 Jul 2017 09:28:00 +0000 MenagerieMama 2760817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need someone to tell me if this is normal or not! About 4 weeks ago DH flew across the country for a job interview. He was offered the job on a Friday and the following business was given an official offer letter. DH wanted to negotiate s few things so he sent an email and had a phone meeting scheduled for the next week. He had the meeting, they weren't super happy about negotiating but we're open to a couple of the things and said they would get back to him the end of the week. That Friday came and went and DH contacted them at the beginning of the next week. Finally heard back on the Wednesday and they said they'd have his revised offer to him by the end of the week. That was yesterday. We've heard crickets. It's for a small non-profit healthcare group and DH would have a very significant director role, it's a pretty unique position and they flew him out for the interview. His only point of contact has been the CEO who is likely very busy which is what we're assuming is slowing things down, and an HR person who can't seem to do anything without going through the CEO. </p> <p>This job would finally allow us to move back home to our home state, which we have been trying to do for the past 2 years. DH has a very unique skill set and jobs don't come up very often. This job is a perfect fit and we internet to have him take it, even if they didn't make any changes - we just felt that negotiating was a given. DH is afraid to bother them more because he doesn't want them to withdraw the offer. </p> <p>I am going crazy not knowing what we're doing. I have to resign my job which should have been done with 90d notice but 30d is the minimum. We have to rent a house asap, arrange movers, etc. Hes supposed to start right after Labor Day. </p> <p>Is this crazy? Is this normal to be so drawn out? Is he not going to be hired and we're just being pulled along? Help! I've told DH he needs to directly ask for his offer on Monday or else we can't accommodate the start date. What does everyone think?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/canadian-bees-complaining-about-mat-leave#post-2639608 Thu, 20 Oct 2016 10:26:53 +0000 erinbaderin 2639608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I 100% know how lucky we are, and I am, to be allowed to take a full year off paid, and this time with my son is precious and I would not give it up for anything, but there are days when I wish I could go back to work. I would love to only be responsible for myself for a few hours, and to get a break that wasn't dependent on coaxing an unpredictable maniac to sleep and didn't have the potential to be over at any moment, and to talk to adults and not have to be ON all the time and to have a conversation that isn't about babies and to just think about something else for a while. I would never cut my leave short because I know I would regret it (and I don't want to pay for daycare!) but I'm missing being a professional today. </p> <p>Anybody want to sympathize? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-knew-then-what-you-knew-now-what-would-you-do-differently-re-work#post-2614288 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 18:33:14 +0000 mrbee 2614288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would still have worked... but instead of being a self-employed WAH parent, I'd probably have worked at a non-profit or corporation for the first few years of my kids' life. I didn't realize how important things like parental leave and vacation days were, until I had kids! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-experience-with-using-cobra-after-leaving-your-job#post-2627318 Mon, 26 Sep 2016 12:16:21 +0000 BSB 2627318@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My last day is this Friday and I emailed HR asking if I can get info on it. Looks like I will have to wait until Friday to get the details. </p> <p>Since my husband has a health condition, I don't really want a lapse in coverage.</p> <p>Also, the twins flu shots are scheduled for the day after my last day. DH is going to call to see if we can get their flu shots before my last day. </p> <p>I'm also a bit afraid what the out of pocket premium will be for a whole family. Though, with my DH's health, we are going to have to pay for it . </p> <p>So my last day is Sept 30th and first day at new job is Oct 17th. I'll need 2 weeks of coverage. </p> <p>I know premiums will be different for everyone. </p> <p>Give me any tips for using COBRA. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/cobra-question#post-1835631 Mon, 25 Aug 2014 17:01:27 +0000 dagret 1835631@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So my last day at my former job was Aug 1. The CFO there told me that my health insurance coverage would continue through 8/31. My first day at my new job was 8/18; I'm not applicable for their health insurance until 9/1. </p> <p>I just got my COBRA letter stating that my health insurance was dropped on 8/1. Great. Even if I could enroll now I don't think it would be active until 9/1at the earliest? </p> <p>I had a pregnancy checkup on 8/20. Awesome. My ob/gyn bills globally so I don't *think* it will be an issue but I'm annoyed. I had a hunch that something would be f'd up with my insurance so I cancelled my NT scan that was scheduled on 8/21; right now I'm glad they did (that's diagnostic and a separate bill). </p> <p>Anyway, anyone have any insight on COBRA that might be helpful? Thanks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/could-you-be-a-nanny-could-your-so-be-a-manny#post-2557479 Thu, 26 May 2016 16:34:59 +0000 BSB 2557479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to say no to both. </p> <p>The nanny that I hired was great. I could tell she really loved being around the twins. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quitting-while-i-job-junt-am-i-missing-anything#post-2553034 Fri, 20 May 2016 08:17:24 +0000 Corduroy 2553034@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My company announced two weeks ago that it is moving out of state. I got a relocation offer but I'm not going, virtually no one is. I've started submitting my resume other places but no solid leads yet. I have a good network and good reputation in my field. Although many of my colleagues were laid off, I was offered retention and severance if I stayed with the company until Oct. I expect to have a job by then. I don't need my income for day to day expenses so we'd be ok if it took me quite a while to find a job.</p> <p>I have done a lot of thinking about my goals, why I'm working and what I want from a job. I want growth, leadership experience, and stability. I also want work life balance. (The remnants of ) my current job don't offer me that anymore. I can quit and enjoy some (indeterminate) amount of summer time with my kids. </p> <p>I'm a hard worker and like to do the "right" thing so I'm somewhat struggling with quitting before I have a new job in hand. I think carving out time to spend with my family is the right thing but it seems scary.</p> <p>Anybody have experience with this? I'm so afraid of it hurting my job hunt - I wish I could convince myself to care less about that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/not-have-a-career#post-2542572 Thu, 05 May 2016 18:57:27 +0000 Boogs 2542572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you ever not actually had a career?</p> <p>DH was talking about someone yesterday and said he didn't think think person really ever had a career, despite being older, and about to enter a second marriage.</p> <p>I worked before we had kids, but wouldn't necessarily call it a career, so reminded him that I don't know that I've ever had one! It made me realize, it's kind of scary, because I'll have to work again at some point. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-dh-got-fired-for-something-he-didnt-do#post-2449490 Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:05:44 +0000 Greentea 2449490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh! DH has some interesting luck, to put it mildly. He just got fired again, for the second time during this pregnancy (wtf?!) and his UE benefits got denied. They are claiming he did something he says he definitely did not do and would not ever do. They claim they have evidence. I am just so frustrated. He had a HUGE legal battle all of last year, and though this isn't on par with that situation, I am just so bummed out to have him falsely accused of something again. </p> <p>Anyway, I suppose he'll have to appeal, but I also want access to this so called evidence so I can analyze it before finding an attorney. I hope it is included in his file. I am just so disheartened! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/dressing-for-an-interview#post-2410290 Tue, 05 Jan 2016 15:06:34 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2410290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I have an interview on Thursday, and literally just realized that I have absolutely nothing but leggings (and some summer dresses) to wear. Obviously I need to go shopping haha :) Anybody want to help me pick out some things, preferably at Target or Old Navy, so I can shop efficiently ;) I have not had a legit job interview since I was like 22 years old, and I honestly don't even remember what I wore then!</p> <p>ETA: The job is for our local YMCA, running grant funded programs. Office attire is either YMCA uniform (shirt, khakis) or business casual. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/would-you-take-a-job-if#post-2401998 Mon, 28 Dec 2015 14:20:02 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2401998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>the salary would basically break even with the cost of childcare? Basically, is working worth it for you for reasons other than the financial ones? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-is-your-current-work-status#post-2398564 Wed, 23 Dec 2015 14:25:29 +0000 mediagirl 2398564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Staying at home?<br /> Maternity leave?<br /> Working from home?<br /> Working outside the home?<br /> Full time?<br /> Part time?<br /> Contract work?</p> <p>What's your current status? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ftm-were-you-asked#post-2382039 Tue, 08 Dec 2015 15:59:51 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2382039@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you would SAH by "colleagues"?</p> <p>Several of my customers have asked me if I plan to continue working post-baby. Often they mention childcare costs as a reason to stay home. When I tell them I'll be a working mama they ask about family to help. Right now i can give answer thar my mom plans to help, but I am feeling judged. It's as if if I can't watch my kid all the time the only acceptable alternative is a family member.</p> <p>Do/did you get the same question? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/whats-your-current-work-status-2#post-2362193 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 21:24:40 +0000 winniebee 2362193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Right now I WAH 3 days a week, go to office or meetings roughly once every few weeks. It's a good situation because my husband works long hours and we are in the process of buying a house and moving, so I need flexibility! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/work-woes#post-2338262 Thu, 29 Oct 2015 08:56:47 +0000 LuLu Mom 2338262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Well yesterday we were informed my department manager had a heart attack and massive heart surgery (we haven't heard the outcome yet.) My department is now in limbo and I'm a little worried about what will come of us. We have always been our own little "island" in this company, and I could see them disbanding our department and handing us off to other departments, I'm a little worried! </p> <p>Just a vent, I'm stressed about my boss (10 years, like a second dad really) and about what my job will become. There's been a lot of changes in my company (and I don't necessarily think for the better) so it could be awful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/getting-into-the-work-groove-following-maternity-leave#post-2328309 Wed, 21 Oct 2015 08:56:59 +0000 Eko 2328309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been back at work for two weeks now and find it is very difficult for me to focus. Not in a 'I miss my baby' sort of way, but my brain is just very disoriented. Sometimes it gets to the point where I have headaches and can get dizzy.<br /> Curious as to if this sounds normal...I mean I haven't had to think for the past 4 months and now am working full time without 8 hours of sleep. Do I just need more time to get back into the groove? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/reassurance-going-back-to-work#post-2294449 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 07:04:41 +0000 Eko 2294449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I normally don't post this kind of stuff, but some reassurance would be nice. I heading back to work in 3 weeks from having a long 4 months off. We set it up so that my parents are watching DS 2x/week. DH and I agreed it would be nice and could make it work so that I only work 4 days a week. I really enjoyed the thought that I would get that extra day with DS. Plus, it would be a day we don't have to pa for daycare.</p> <p>So, we've been daycare hunting for two days and turns out there is such limited availability, especially for part-time hours. We have only found two places. One place is a daycare center, it wasn't bad, and charged $700/month. We managed to only find one home daycare that would even talk to us. This woman is absolutely amazing. DH and I beyond love her and would feel so comfortable leaving DS there. But, we would need to pay for a full week, which for her is $1200/month (a steal in my opinion).</p> <p>We really want to go with her because of the flexibly it provides. My mom isn't exactly in a stable position and it is possible down the road she wouldn't be able to help us anymore. But, to offset cost I would realistically need to work a full five days</p> <p>I know moms do it all the time, but I just got it stuck in my head I would be with LO an extra day. I love this woman and know she would take such excellent care of DS. Sorry for the rant. Tell me it's not so bad! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sahm-vs-working-my-dilemma#post-2271194 Sun, 23 Aug 2015 21:38:34 +0000 soyjoy222 2271194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is about 8 mos now, and things are going really well. I also started working about a month ago. I graduated graduate school right before I was due, so I planned to stay home for a bit with DS and then start looking for part time work. The whole time I was home, I felt antsy to get started with my career, which I now am struggling with. </p> <p>I love my job, it's 2 days a week, DS goes to daycare those two days and he is thriving. DH can cover our major bills comfortably, but this added childcare cost is huge. My salary HAS to cover it. The issue is...I am "fee for service", which means..if my clients do not show up, I don't get paid. And while I enjoy the work I do, I really am not getting paid.</p> <p>Basically, after crunching numbers, DH and I realized that this isn't working. While I have a decent caseload, I am just not bringing in the money to cover daycare. He thinks that I should leave now before too much more is invested in it, and in a year go back and try again. I am on the fence. Part of me wants to try a few more months, but with daycare requiring 30 days notice before unenrolling, we would wind up paying for a month we don't need - so if this doesn't work out, we will be on the hook for the daycare fee for at least one extra month. The other part of me wants to just throw in the towel and worry about it later, but that scares me so much.</p> <p>We don't have family around here to help with childcare, or else this wouldn't be an issue. I only have one friend with a child right now, so it's hard to find someone to talk to about this. Has anyone had a similar experience where you left the "working world" for a while and went back to it with success? I'm so afraid I will screw up my career if I leave and go back in a bit, but this is more common than I think, right? If you had to stay home because you could not swing childcare cost, how did you make peace with that? The guilt I feel right now over going to school and not actually using the degree right away is what is bogging me down, I think. I have put a lot of pressure on myself to do it all, and I"m starting to see that it might not actually happen right now (which is hard). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-you-dont-have-to-work-for-financial-reasons#post-2166552 Mon, 04 May 2015 14:21:11 +0000 winniebee 2166552@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you? Why or why not? How old are your kids?</p> <p>I have a 3yo and 5mo and have been staying home the last 2 years. I worked after my first was born but stopped working when my husband took a job cross country. We moved back but I was then 20 weeks pregnant so it wasn't worth it for me to try to go back to work then. We don't know if we are done having kids...but I'm trying to decide if/when I should go back to work. </p> <p>I'm a lawyer and had a stressful career before I stopped working...I definitely don't want to return to that and it would be difficult to do so since my husband works ridiculous hours. I'm thinking of something part time but still using my law degree. So many pros....extra money, resuming my career, having something in my life NOT related to kids. Cons....my husband works like 80 hours a week including weekends and it's not flexible at all. I do most everything around the house as a SAHM and we'd have to hire more help to deal with stuff at home plus more childcare. </p> <p>Just thought it would be nice to discuss with other parents. </p>