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Original poster

"Few mothers drop out. They tend to drop from good jobs into bad ones."

56 replies

curryeater · 16/09/2013 11:07

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/sep/15/how-to-cure-sexist-boss

I find that quote terrifying, because that is exactly what I am seriously considering at the moment. DESPITE the fact that I know from PERSONAL experience that the best-paid jobs are actually the easiest!

Yet somehow - because my life isn't working, because I am exhausted, because I am not coping, because I desperately want to sort out the dcs socks and tights and never ever ever have time - I have found myself considering applying for a local school-hours admin position.

This is bonkers. I will never be able to afford child care again. I will be stuck. I will be bored out of my mind and insulted and demeaned while people swan about saying "get one of the girls to do it", throwing crap at me. what was I thinking?

but what can I do instead?

What are your thoughts, please, clever women of mumsnet?

OP posts:
MadameLeBean · 16/09/2013 12:56

Good point BelleCurve (love the name)

I guess you have to "invest" in a cleaner/nanny/both in the early stages of your career even if it means you are skint (but I realise many LPs might not be able to afford to survive doing that). I def think childcare should be fully tax deductible.

DP and I are at the point now where we are fortunate enough to be able to afford domestic help (just) but we have held off.. However we are realising that spending that cleaning time at work, or even resting / exercising / seeing friends , is likely to be worth more to our career progression than it costs to pay a cleaner in the short term.

BelleCurve · 16/09/2013 12:52

What is your dp doing about this issue? can they change hours/work flexibly?

sounds like you need a break. Do socks even need to be sorted anyway?

BelleCurve · 16/09/2013 12:50

still assumes a very heteronormative setup at home. what about lone parents, how do we get and keep good jobs?

MadameLeBean · 16/09/2013 12:50

Ahh curry I am in the same position I have the option of changing jobs to 4 days a week position that pays enough but no future earnings potential or further career progression. However I do know if I stick my current job / similar out for 3-5 more years it will be easier and better paid (but my dd is at primary school and I feel I can't give her enough attention and organise all the school things etc etc)

And this is with a DP who does all the food shopping meal planning cooking and most of the cleaning.

BuffytheReasonableFeminist · 16/09/2013 12:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

EmmelineGoulden · 16/09/2013 12:27

Curry, it's a horrible culture we live in that makes it so hard for people to combine family and career. The article pushes the fact that to have equal standing in the work place you need equal standing at home - do you have a partner who can pick up a fair share of the wifework that is driving you out of a good job? Failing that can you outsource some of it or just not do it - do socks and tights really need sorting?