Worried about having another baby as a SAHP

[KlingybunFistelvase]

DH and I are discussing TTC another baby. We already have a toddler DD.

We both think we would like to have another baby at some point. We're sort of undecided. Among other things, I am a little worried about having another DC while I'm not working. I took voluntary redundancy while I was still on mat leave. I didn't really have the most dazzling career, but I liked working and I am looking forward to going back eventually. My worry is that I'll be waiting a long time to do that if we have another DC, whereas if we hold out for another few years or just stick with one DC, I could go back sooner. Because my career isn't likely to be dazzling any time soon though, it seems silly to choose not to have another baby, just so I can go back to it iyswim.

At the minute we are fine financially without the income mat leave would provide, so that isn't the issue.

Fwiw we're 33 and 31 so could wait a little longer before I felt time was running out to TTC.

Another think I am worried about is how big a gap I'm going to have in my cv and how poor my prospects will be when I eventually go back to work. I know it will be worth it in the long run and it's the choice I made when I gave up work to be a SAHP, but I guess I just feel a bit vulnerable.

Wonder what other people think and if they've had similar experiences.

[ImperialBlether]

I'd have the children close together and then go back to work when they're both a little older.

[KlingybunFistelvase]

Thanks imperial.

Also, just noticed a typo "another thing I am worried about" not "another think". Autocorrect is weird .

[buckyou]

I think you might as well have another one now. Would you not want to be a SAHM for the next one anyway like you have been for your DD?

If you had one now, then maybe wait till your older child goes to school so you only have one lot of childcare to pay for. That's what I'd do.

It doesn't make sense to restrict yourself to one if you are not really career focused anyway.

[KlingybunFistelvase]

Thanks buck.

[early30smum]

I did the same as you. Didn't work after DD. Had another one and then returned to work when he was almost 2. I had a bigger gap than you would though.

[KlingybunFistelvase]

Thanks early. Do you mind me asking how you found getting back into work? I'm a bit worried about how I'll come across on applications and in interviews after years out of work.