When Work-Life Balance Feels Like a nightmare
16th November 2024// Nia // 12:00 PM
Right now, I’m still on parental leave until January, trying to prepare myself for the big return to work. But honestly? It feels like everything is stacked against me.
Normally, I work in the south of Luxembourg, close to home, which has always been super practical. But now, they’ve decided to move me 50km away to the center of the country. That means two hours of traffic every single day. How am I supposed to manage that?
I reduced my job from 100% to 75% so I could have more time with my son. I wanted to make things easier for both of us. But now, it feels like I’ve been set up to fail. To manage this, I’d need to put my baby in daycare for up to 60 hours a week, just so I can work 30 hours. How does that even make sense?
Our daycare is in my hometown and has fixed hours. That already limits my options, but the real kicker? My boss. When I tried to explain my situation, he said, “I can’t allow everything for everyone because you now, some people also see their dogs and cats as their children, I can't allow them to work how they want just because they want to go for a walk with them at 5pm .” He added that it wasn’t meant to insult my child, but honestly, how else am I supposed to take that?
What’s even more frustrating is that my temporary replacement during parental leave—who doesn’t have kids and works full-time—has been given my position in the south. And yet, I’m the one being sent to this impossible setup. If they really need someone in the center, why not send her? She has no childcare commitments, while I’m drowning trying to juggle everything.
I’m honestly at a breaking point. I’m dealing with panic attacks, stomach problems, and constant anxiety about driving long distances alone. Public transport isn’t an option either—I was sexually harassed on it years ago, and that fear hasn’t gone away.
Right now, I feel like I’m being punished for wanting to spend time with my child. Why is it so hard for workplaces to support parents? If anyone out there has been in a similar situation or has advice, please share your story. I could really use some hope right now.
Thanks for reading & have a nice day ♥