First Paycheck After Maternity Leave: Here’s What You Should Do
Going back to work after maternity leave is a courageous decision. Unlike the previous time, now you are a mother and have to take care of your baby as well as yourself more than ever. But, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t follow your dreams.
Just like your commitment towards your family, you should be committed to your career. There’s nothing wrong with it. On the contrary, you should reward yourself for rejoining the work.
How?
Well, you can use your first paycheck as your reward. Generally, people start to think about what they are going to do with the salary even before receiving it. But, in case you haven’t figured it out yet, you need not worry! We are here to help you out!
Here are some things you should consider spending your first paycheck on!
- Pay Your Bills
First of all, you need to pay all your bills and rent. It might not sound very exciting; however, it is essential. In fact, you should clear all your bills on your every paycheck. It will help you create a budget for all the other things you can do with the money. Moreover, as a mother, you need to take care of the necessities of your child. So, you must make all the essential purchases in the beginning.
Moreover, adopting this habit will also help you create a good credit score. This is an excellent financial practice that will help you a lot in the long run.
- Make Your Tummy Feel Happy
After paying all your bills, you need to treat yourself to something delicious for all the hard work. Receiving a paycheck means now you can eat whatever you desire. Needless to say, eating is directly related to happiness. No matter how your day goes, everything starts to feel better as soon as you take the first bite of your favorite food. Don’t you agree?
In fact, you can go out to fine dining to celebrate this achievement with your family and friends. It’ll also give you an opportunity to get dressed and look all pretty.
Apart from fine-dine, you can also stock up all your favourite snacks for the rest of the month. It will ensure that you stay well organized and healthy as well.
- Go On A Shopping Spree
Who said money can’t buy happiness? With the money, you get to purchase your favorite dress or jewelry, and that’s definitely equal to happiness. So, as a reward, you should consider going on a shopping spree.
If you are not a shopaholic or compulsive buyer, instead believe in being savvy. You should consider getting handmade or Artisan Jewelry for yourself or your loved ones. Jewelry is always a great way to invest your money. Plus, it’ll also make you look stunning.
Nevertheless, if you want, you can also get some gifts for your family, especially for your little bundle of joy.
- Upgrade Your Technology
Technology is constantly evolving. Something which is latest today will become outdated tomorrow. Therefore, it is essential that you stay well equipped with the updated technology and gadgets. In simple words, you should consider using your paycheck for getting a new mobile phone or upgrading your existing laptop.
Apart from this, you can also utilize the money for the repair and maintenance of home appliances. The gadgets or technology that you can upgrade are limitless. You just need to decide which one to prioritize.
- Rewards Yourself A Weekend Getaway
Working after maternity leave doubles your responsibility. Now you have to take care of your family as well as your career. That means the stress level also gets multiplied. Therefore, you should give yourself a little break and rejuvenate your body and mind.
How?
Well, the best way to do so is by going on a weekend getaway. Traveling is always great to reduce stress levels and improve the quality of life. So, you can plan a little family picnic in a nearby location. A new location, atmosphere, and the love of your family will surely help reduce your stress.
Plus, it’ll give you whole new energy. So, it’ll improve your productivity and efficiency in the workplace.
- Get A Spa
If you don’t want to go on a trip, you can get a spa as well. It will help relax your muscles and destress your mind. Moreover, the essential oils, candles, and music will help calm your always running mind.
Not to mention, the postpartum period is not easy to deal with. There are a lot of changes in life, and they can make you overwhelmed. Thus, a spa would be a nice option for you to let go of all the thoughts and just give yourself a well-deserved “me time.” It is good for you in every way as it’ll help reduce muscle tension, calm your mind and help you connect with yourself.
- Don’t Forget About Savings.
As you are a parent now, you need to focus on saving as well to provide a comfortable life to your baby. For that, you can either select a specific percentage that you’ll save every month, let’s say about 20%. And if your bills and rents are 30%. You’ll be left with 50% to do whatever you want.
Obviously, savings can be as per your paycheck, expenses, and will to spend. It need not be huge; you can start small and fulfill your desire alongside. Or, if you are thinking about the future, you can save more and spend smartly.
Note: Savings and investments usually go hand in hand. That means, if you can’t save a lot, you should try investing in tangible and easy to encash items.
To Sum It All Up!
Getting your first paycheck is a glorious feeling. It becomes even more overwhelming when you get it after your maternity leave. So, to make the most out of this feeling, you should start by paying all your bills and rent. After that, you can shop or invest in whatever you want to do, food, jewelry, or shoes.
Happy spending!
