Got my first full-time job in seven years

[luckyduck19]

After working part-time since my dc were born, I decided that I should look for something full-time since my youngest starts school in September and sent out applciations ot a number of places. My ideal job was the very first one I applied for and I was offered it a couple of days ago. Am still in shock but really happy and excited. I start a few days before my youngest starts school, although I should still be able to take him on his first morning and he'll be picked up by Grandma, who's going to be staying for a couple of weeks. After that it'll be a case of using after school club for a couple hours each day for both dc and hopefully everything will fall into place. It's going to be a big change and I'm going to have to be really organised. I'm a lone parent so will need to have a lot of good back-up plans and systems in place.

Has anyone else in this position got any tips for making it work?

[kukeslala]

Not been in your position, so no tips sorry.
However just wanted to say congratulations and good luck.

[easterbaby]

Just wanted to add my congratulations! My LO is 16mo and in nursery full time. The idea of working FT and dealing with childcare was daunting but it is a lot easier than I imagined. In your shoes, I'd check to see if there's a breakfast club. So lovely that Grandma's coming to help for a bit. Do you have a trusted friend/neighbour who could help with pick-ups now and then? Or will it be possible to work from home now and then? I find that helps a lot. Best of luck with it! x

[luckyduck19]

Thanks for the congratulations. I'm relocating for the job so don't know yet who my neighbours will be! I'm hoping to get some babysitter recommendations from people at my new work so I'll have a backup if the kids are ill or I have the chance of a rare night out :)

[Xenia]

Worth advertising for local sixth formers too who can beback up just to collect from school etc . I hadsomeone on Sat morning and she could also the school collection if they were not in the after school club until 6.

It can work fine. I am in about year 30 of working full time with 5 children now, youngest are 14 and it is definitely worth it.

[luckyduck19]

Thanks Xenia. Great idea about getting a sixth former as back up and its reassuring to hear from someone who's been in this situation and made it work.

[homeaway]

Congratulations ! It would be great if you could work from home if any of the kids are sick as that would take the strain off you . I think you will be fine as you sound really organised.