To hate how mums always have to sacrifice their career...

It’s only for another few years and then once both are in school full time you can go back to work full time.

Some people might say take the receptionist job but if you’re not making any money, I wouldn’t bother.

Keep the cafe job. Yes the weekend is a sacrifice but your earning some extra money.

Women are allowed to have personal choices. I didn't want to be a SAHM because I love my job AND my child. Just like men are allowed to.

OP take the receptionist job. In the long term it's a better option.

They don't.

You take the short term hit on wage v childcare, knowing that it's only for a few years. In return you get evenings and weekends back, a long term career path, and, when childcare costs reduce, a decent chunk towards family income every month.

It’s so hard! If you’re DH is happy to cover the costs I would say take the GP receptionist role!

You said you’d love to, and it may bring in opportunities to do more hours / promotions for better pay. Think of it as an investment in your career (and also something to make you happier, which in turn will benefit your kids).

Good luck with your decision!

Take the job, use the probationary period to see if you like it enough to stick it out until youngest qualifies for 15 funded hours next April. If not, there will be other cafés.

Mum's absolutely don't have to sacrifice their careers, I haven't, loads of my colleagues and friends haven't.

You probably do need to earn above a certain level to add to the pot when the dc are very small, and at minimum wage you're probably not going to do that.

Can you retrain, do some courses etc? The stuff that's available free now is huge.

Might I ask why you don't want be to a SAHM?

We do what we have to do - no family support, 2 kids - one in school and one in Full Time nursery - we save year round for the holidays. We haven't had a week off together except Xmas for 3 years.

Both work FT, 5 weeks annual leave a year each and otherwise they're in holiday clubs and nursery, however - my career has absolutely not suffered and since having the first 7 years ago I remained in FT work and have now doubled my salary - DH has also improved his too.

To hate how mums always have to sacrifice their career

They don't have to. They really don't.

I'd also have to have both kids in different childcare settings which are opposite side of town by 7.30am.

You make it sound like its your responsibility to get both kids to school and nursery on your own before you start work. If your husband is working from home one day the 6 year old doesn't need to be in breakfast club by 7:30, your DH can drop them both and you can split the other days in a way that makes sense.

The main thing here is you and your husband are viewing the kids as your job whether you work or not and that is where your problem comes.