confused! old job or new job?!

[mushymoo]

So I'm due to go back to work pretty soon and dreading the whole idea of it... If I stick with the job I'm on maternity leave from (and really don't enjoy this job, was meant to be a part time getting me through university job) my mom can look after DD on afternoons while I work part time... If I take the job I've been offered which I originally always planned to do after University I would have to leave DD in a nursery and work full time... but then pay out a lot of the extra pay on nursery fees.
hate the thought of seeing her so little and leaving her with people I don't know! And paying so much for the nursery makes me think its not worth it for the tiny amount of extra pay and the huge amount of time I'd miss out with her.. Ideally would stay off work with her but who can afford that with bills to pay!!
Has anyone else ever had to make a decision like this? And what were your experiences going back to work? First child if you couldn't tell so feeling very overly attached!

[VBisme]

It sounds like you'd rather work part time.

[Kirrin]

I guess the question is - if you didn't take the full time job now, could you get another job in the field relatively easily later on if you wanted to? Or would turning it down mean the end of that as a career choice? And if it would spell the end, how much does that bother you?

I have just gone back to work about 6months earlier than I would have liked because I had to take a rare opportunity when it came up. Or do a dead end job for the rest of forever. I chose to go back earlier because although its shit in the short term it will be best in the long term. I don't have to rely on outside child care though, and I honestly don't know if I would have made the same decision if I had had to use a nursery.

Could you split child care between a nursery and your Mum? Would you be able to drop to part time in the new job once you've been there a while?

Sorry, I realise I'm giving more questions than answers!

[HoleyGhost]

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Think what you need to do to get there.

[mushymoo]

Well I'm going against my gut and doing 3 days full time 9-6 to see how I get on and 5 month DD has these days as a trial in a nursery... Dreading thought of not being with her already! Also have some kit days (old job) where DD will be left with mum just for the four hours. I guess I'll make my decision after that! And work out if the extra hours at work are even worth it after paying 40 hours childcare/weigh it up against whether I think its worth it now for the prospects later on.
Kirrin I wouldn't be able to split childcare across nursery and mum because she doesn't drive so wouldn't be able to pick her up and lives a fair bit away for public transport. Guess I will see how I get on, this chance of a trial will be helpful at least!
Thanks for responses :)

[Jojokyno]

I totally understand, I am due to go back in November (a job I have done for 21yrs) and I small already worried about going back, before i became pregnant i was already to change my career. If I am going to change my job perhaps now is a good time, but also I would have to find a job that would work with the cost of child minding and the hours I want to work.