If you’re not sure it’s worth going back to work after maternity leave, here’s what you should know

New research suggests that 98% of women in the UK want to return to work after maternity leave, but only 13% make it back full time. The reasons? Sky-high childcare costs and inflexible employers…

I received emails from the two nurseries my kids attend this week, stating that both were increasing their fees because of the cost-of-living crisis. I get it, but given that we’re all facing higher energy, water, food and mortgage costs, it felt like another kick in the teeth.

Having two kids in childcare eats up half my salary, and now it will cost even more. Anything left over will be more stretched than ever as our other bills increase. Coupled with the emotional cost of dropping the kids off at a place run by near-strangers – sometimes against their will – I often question whether it’s really worth it. But in my case, I believe it is… and here’s why.