Childcare / flexible working questions

[meladeso]

(have posted this elsewhere too, hoping to find someone who might have advice)

Hi there

I'm considering trying to return to work next year (after 2nd DC) working for myself, instead of returning to my previous job.

My question relates to consulting - and how those of you who already do this, manage to juggle childcare when you're not certain which days of a given month you might need it?

Previously I worked a 4 day week and my DC1 was in nursery 3 days and with my family on the 4th. So that was structured, regular and so on. Which is obvs what a private nursery requires. They can't just chop and change sessions ad hoc.

So if I was to work say 2-3 days a week on average as a consultant, on small projects rather than long term contracts, how on earth could I make that work with a 1yo DC2? (DC1 will be in school next year so less of a concern).

Have people successfully done this?! I'd be very interested to hear from you if so! Or equally if I'm dreaming and this is totally unachievable...

Thanks all

[YonicProbe]

The easiest thing is to say you can work on mon, tue, wed for clients and have childcare all those days. Hopefully family can pick up on an adhoc basis if you want to sell more time or you may get last minute sessions at nursery (mine usually has space Fridays as more people have that as their day off.