Job Interview... too much childcare needed? Help!

[MetalSian]

My DS is 2.1 years old, since he was born I have looked after him full-time apart from one day a week.
After maternity leave I went back to work at Tesco one day a week on a Saturday 2-8. Only 6 hour so earn just under £40 a week.

My DP has just got a job, minimum wage, 40 hours a week but it is allowing him to do what he wants and also get qualifications in it.

I no longer want to be stuck working in Tesco's so have been applying for part-time jobs.
I am also due to start a HND in Business in September which is one day a week.

So I have a job interview next Friday. The position is for 21 hours a week over 3 days. It is working at the same college where I will be taking my HND so my DS will be in the same nursery, which he has already got a full time place for from September (as we didn't know college day so put it in as full time so he would definitely have a place).
It does mean however that he will be in nursery for 4 days a week.
I know this is the norm for some families but I am worried that I will not be doing my job as a mum when having him in childcare for so many hours.

I want this job so that I can earn more and be in a position that is going to aid me getting a graduate job after my degree.
I will be earning around £130 more a week, but obviously have to take into consideration childcare fees, and train fares (it is 30 miles away).
I can get childcare help either through tax credits but more likely through the Higher Education childcare grant, as this is 85% of the costs and I am classed a full-time student.

I think we would go from what we are on now, getting Housing Benefit and CT Benefit, to having to pay for these, so money wise we may not end up better off but I think it is worth it to be paying our own way.
After rent and CT, childcare and fares I would probably be bringing home £50-£70 a week. Also I assume we would be getting more working tax credits.


Sorry this is a bit long and a lot of information at once but thought you would need to understand the situation properly =].

Do you think I am worrying over nothing?
And should I give getting this job a go or just stick with Tesco and look after DS through the week?

I obviously may not even get the job but need to think about this.
One last worry is it is on a Mon/Tue/Wed but the provisional date for my HND each week in a Monday, subject to change.
So I will also need to talk to them about how strict the days are =/.

Bit worried =[.... help? xD

[MetalSian]

Sorry it is a bit long =/.

[hairylights]

Great!you will be setting your son the fantastic example that women can be great mums as well as have a career and pursue an education! He will grow up to respect women as the balance in terms of parenting and working outside the home will be far better now in your family.

[MovingAndScared]

At that age - 4 - which look like shortist - days in nursery will be fine
Get the job first and then talk to them about the days

[MetalSian]

Thanks both Hairy and Moving =].
That is what I like to think, that it will be more positive than negative, even if money is around the same.

[Fennel]

Go with the job and the childcare and the course.

You can always go back to being at home if it doesn't work out for you or your ds. (but give it a good try first).

[hairylights]

Best of luck!

I am going to be going back four days a week or full time after five/six months statutory leave/pay. My partner will do the childcare and work his self- employment at weekends and evenings.

I am sure I'd love to work less and spend longer with the baby but I actually want to work - and am the higher earner - I feel I can do both... And I won't let anyone guilt trip me.

[MetalSian]

Thanks Fennel I think it is definitely worth a go.

Hairy good for you, I had a full year off, then again working one day a week at Tesco isn't anything to rush back to ;P.

Now I just need to get the job =]... it has a 30 minute test, with no idea what it is on, well job related obviously but not sure exactly what.
fingers crossed

[DaisySteiner]

According to a friend who gets the HE childcare grant, it has been reduced to 70% of costs in line with tax credit childcare - might be worth checking this out. I've only got the info 2nd hand so might be wrong.

[GetOrfMoiLand]

Oh fgs ignore the network marketing spiel.

OP best of luck - don't think you won;t be doing your job as mum properly, 4 days a week nursery at that age will be great. And you are working hard and building you career - yest he childcare costs etc will be high initially however you will reap the benefits.
If you hate the whole thing you can always get another shift at tesco and go back to working one day a week.

Good luck with the interview.