What did you do when your children went to school? - WORK OPTIONS

[Galaxygirl93]

My little boy is almost 2, so is a little while away from school at the moment but will be starting September 2022.

I currently work 3 days a week (mid week) in an office based Assistant role on 21k if I were full time.

I am pondering on what to do when my little one goes to school, do i:-

a- return to work full time in my well paid, but do not like it, job
b- keep part time at work 3 days a week but study for the 2 school days to get a career I enjoy
c- start studying now to get a full time career in a few years
d- get a different job on the two days a week, maybe something casual which is low paid but more fun?
e-arrange to do nothing on the 2 days and enjoy the time to myself!

I am wondering what experience do other people have of children going to school and changing their career/entering a new career. At the moment I do not have any further plans to have another child although I know things do change with time!

I stayed part time when my kids went to school because I didn’t want them to do breakfast and after school club from 7.30am-5.30 pm every day. I also take them to swimming lessons and brownies etc after school which I couldn’t do if I was working each day. Entirely depends on your circumstances though and the hours of your job etc

£21k full time isn't particularly well paid long-term. I'd keep the job and try to study 2 days/week if you can afford it with a view to increasing your earning power.

Yes I'd do part time and start studying- you could start once he has his 3 year old funded preschool place. I went back 4 days a week - still do swimming and beavers most weeks or dp does. We use a childminder.

Hmm mm I agree, 21k isnt particularly well paid. I would definitely like to increase my earning power.

Next route is to try to decide what I would want to do! I suppose the Open University would be a good shout as I could do it in my own time and fairly flexible.

Just to clarify, as I obviously did say 21k was well paid in my first post, it suits me for the moment and my circumstances, and the job is convenient for me however looking long term, it would be great to increase this. :-)

The thing is that the school day really flies by - it's only 6 hours, and once you've dropped off, picked up, done some washing / tidying / various life admin / exercised, the time seems to disappear. So I'd definitely keep those days available if you can afford to - it's also great to be available for school events, or helping at school, school holidays, illness, after school activities, play dates, etc etc etc.

I work 4 days now, but didn't do this until my children were both at secondary school, and doing slightly longer days works well (they can do homework until I've finished work).

I work 3 days and both children are now at school (from august 19). It would be difficult for me take on more days at work because i'd then have to pay for more breakfast and after school clubs, plus commuting costs, also I'd need to withdraw them from swimming lessons, football teams etc as I couldn't get home on time to take them. I don't feel is fair on them to miss out and be stuck in childcar everyday, if it can be avoided. DP works shifts so isn't always available to help.

On my days off I catch up on housework, go to the gym, batch cook etc. My days fill up really quickly. I did do some voluntary work for a while but it didn't work out.

I would like to get a new job with more hours but it would have to fit with childcare.

If aren’t in a hurry now and you enjoy things as they are, I would train in your 2 spare days and keep the part time job or move to full time in something you enjoy more.

I would caution you about hours though and the school run. It is NOT easier to go back to work when they start school than when they are younger. Nursery gives a lot more flexibility than school hours, and you will have less time to work unless you have access to after school childcare or you/your partner if you have one are able to work flexible hours or you have family help. Plus then there are assemblies and school plays and sport day and parents evening.

I went back to work when both of mine were around a year and now have one in nursery and one in school. It’s no trouble with dc2 in nursery but there’s a lot more stress and rushing around with dc1. Dh and I share the school runs (no family help and no childminders who collect from our school), so we each do it 2-3 days a week. But depending on the week, it can be hard to cram in work when you are only available 9-2:45. We are lucky we have a lot of flexibility (dh is self employed and I can set my own hours), but does me we work lots of evenings. If what you want to do won’t fit easily into school hours, you might want to do it now if your childcare is more flexible.

Thank you everyone for your advice and different experiences, there are definitely a few factors to consider

I would love to pick DD up from school not have her in after school clubs etc but how does anyone afford this? My pensions already taken a huge hit because I’ve been part time for three years.

Degrees are v expensive at the moment so would think v carefully if it is worth it. Find out the types of jobs you would like - ones with opportunity for advancement, you have aptitude for, flexibility (v useful to be able to wfh), enjoy. Then look at jobs websites on what are necessary or desired CV features.

In many cases it is not a specific degree. You can build a portfolio for some things (eg software projects, art/graphic design, copywriting) while working pt. there are some specific vocational exams: eg book-keeping, software testing, networking, cfa. These can be expensive (and not necessary) but in general cheaper than degree. Maybe also see if you can get some work experience - visit companies and ask to ‘shadow’ people. There are also some apprenticeships, return to work programs or career change programs (where you would be given training a bit like grad schemes).