Possible to return to work around kids?

[WittyCakeMeister]

Hi, I would like to get some feedback on people's experiences of going back to work after a long break, as I'm starting to worry. How did you make it work with hours and childcare? Was it easy to get a job after a long break? What kind of work did you manage to find?

I have found a part-time job in the field I used to work in (HR) and at a really good company. When I asked for the working hours (mornings starting at 8am), and started to think about the practicalities, I realised how difficult it would be to get my two children to the separate nurseries they'd need to go to at the right times.

My daughter loves her pre-school and has already been moved once so I want her to stay put. But I'd have to get a childminder to drop her off there as it doesn't open early enough, and my son would need to go to another nursery for younger children.

We have no relatives to help with drop offs or pick-ups. We also live in a little village which is renouned for having non-existent childminder opportunities.

Then I started thinking about whether it could be achieved when one or two of the kids are at school. But unfortunately the after-school club finishes at 4:30, and there are rumours it will be disposed of due to lack of demand. Should I send them to another school (not the one literally on our street) and drive there every day?!

So, I'm now thinking it could be at least 10 years until I manage to go back into my profession. And I'd have to start at the bottom again. Would I even be able to get back into the field?? How hard would it be it?

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

I would do all I could to make it work for the right job rather than be faced with no career for 10 years, even move (within reason). Also, do you have a DH/DP? If so, it's his responsibility to make this work too, even if it means changes to his career.

[starsinyourpies]

I agree you would need to split drop offs/pick ups with DP if possible, and consider a nursery with pre school rather than childminder + pre school
For simplicity. It can be very hard to get a job after a long absence so if you like the sound of this one try to make it work, ask them what their flexible working policy is as ours is similar start/end times but the reality is there is a lot of flexibility around working from home/ later start a couple of times a week etc which makes a big difference.

[Missgraeme]

Is there any other part time working parents you could juggle child care with? Would the job be open to flexi hours? An ad for another local mam to help out? (or dad)

[starsinyourpies]

I agree you would need to split drop offs/pick ups with DP if possible, and consider a nursery with pre school rather than childminder + pre school
For simplicity. It can be very hard to get a job after a long absence so if you like the sound of this one try to make it work, ask them what their flexible working policy is as ours is similar start/end times but the reality is there is a lot of flexibility around working from home/ later start a couple of times a week etc which makes a big difference.

[barney11]

You mention that it's part time, so presumably this isn't going to be a problem all week, just 3 or 4 days? I think that if i were in your position (i.e declining the job offer was a real possibility due to childcare issues) i would first go back to the company and request to start later in the mornings. At least that way you'd not have to worry about one end of the day.

[WittyCakeMeister]

Hi, it's every day Monday to Friday 8am until 12. I think I'm going to go back and ask if the start time is flexible.

The trouble is, I don't want to move my daughter again (for instance, to a nursery with pre-school) as she found the last move difficult and now is happy.

My husband would have to negotiate a later start time at his workplace in order to do the drop-offs (I could do the pick-ups), to start at 09:15 instead of 08:30. I used to work where he works, and I know they are not going to go for that. They are always talking about how he needs to meet the needs of the business when it comes to hours (basically means they can make him come early and leave late when they please). Also it would also mean he would not get home in the evenings until later, so would not have time to spend with the kids before they go to bed, which I think is important.

Perhaps when my daughter starts school next year (if I choose a school with breakfast/afterschool club), I could then send my second to a proper nursery and then it would be easier regarding working hours.

[SummerSazz]

My dc go to a childminder before school from 7.30. No breakfast club and after school club finishes at 5.

[BikeRunSki]

Could you not get one single childminder to drop off/collect your daughter to/from preschool, and look after your son during the day (rather than a second nursery) ?

Would a nanny be an option?

[monkeyblonde]

Really hope it works out for you. My key concern would not be the drop offs though - but what happens when it comes to preschool/school holidays? That's the main thing that I struggle with with going back to work.