We would struggle financially but having discussed it with my DH he would support it. He already pays most of the bills anyway as he is the higher earner.
I have 3 children primary aged and pre school. The youngest is 19 months.
I'm finding things really really hard.
I love my job but its hard stressful work. I work 12 hour permanent night shifts. I only do two a week but it takes me out for several days. I've been having a variety of health issues that I think are exacerbated by the nightshift work. My sleep is also appalling. I've lost a lot of weight recently, unintentional.
The issue is I took this job because there's not much else I can do that fits in with childcare responsibilities. My husband does the school drop offs every morning but I collect them.
I honestly do not know how other families cope?
I guess they pay for wrap around childcare but this cost would render it pointless me working as I only earn minimum wage. My husband understandably won't contribute to childcare costs as he already pays for most things. My income is used for the kids and for food and any extra stuff we do.
I was a stay at home mum for a few years after I had my first and I found it depressing but at least the house was clean and my son got a lot of attention.. he was taken out to groups etc
I feel very guilty for my youngest as I am too exhausted to give her the same level of attention. And the house honestly looks horrific.. if we got burgled and they trashed the place I probably would not notice. I also struggle with cooking as we share the cooking now and to be frank my husbands cooking is pretty dire. I'm grateful he does it but it doesn't have the same nutritional value that I would ideally like for my kids. It's usually hot dogs, chicken nuggets etc I kind of just pretend it isn't happening because I don't want to criticise him as I don't want to cook either!
But in comparison to when my son was a baby and I used to hand make the baby food.. I used to make sure my middle daughter was getting her 5 a day every day etc..
That's all out the window..
And my own health is deteriorating. My digestion is ruined, I'm in pain and exhausted all the time...
But I genuinely love my job and feel I'm good at it. It gives me self esteem. I'm engaged by it. They are putting me through an NVQ. Everyone there is lovely.
And the money!
When I was a SAHM with my son I had nothing and it was extremely depressing. I couldn't really go anywhere or do anything other than go to toddler groups or the park for a walk.
I know if I leave my job all basic needs would be covered but that would be the end of any holidays or days out that weren't free.
Oh to add we have no family help whatsoever so no childcare options there.
What would you do?