Going or not going back work?

[iamdivergent]

Currently on mat leave, due back early June. 3 dcs, one baby, one in primary school and one in secondary school. DH in f/t work if relevent and supportive of all options.

Choices are:

A) go back to work - p/t, 5 days per week during school hours so able to do drop off/pick up, unable to further reduce hours or be in less days - after childcare the family pot would be approx £100pcm better off with this option
B) become a stay at home mum for a few years (poss until ds is eligible for funded childcare)
C) go to college and retrain - likely to be at least 3yrs as would have to enter at a relatively low level due to lack of qualifications - having spoken to the college, based on DH income I/we would be entitled to help with childcare costs and a small bursary.

So WWYD?

What do you want to do?

What is the retraining all about? Will it lead to work that is more interesting or better paid? What are college hours like?

B)

Course I could enter in at is either 2 or 3 days pw 0930-1630.

Not sure about more interesting but definately more money. Looking to work up to be a TA. I have little to no chance to advance where I am (low level admin role).

If you're keen on C, do C but I'm not completely sure you sound keen.

The thing that puts me off is having to put ds in childcare. I think I'm leaning towards B for now but I hate the thought of being seen as scrounging in a sense. DH doesn't see it that way, he is very aware of the amount I do re housework/childcare.

So hard to know what to do for the best!