I've recently been looking at returning to work and I now have three job offers on the table, and I'm so torn! They all have pro and cons, and I keep deciding then changing my mind. I'll give you some background and then describe the jobs.
Background - admin and customer service background from when I left school, 11 years out of regular employment after I fell pregnant with my second DC and relationship broke down, also my eldest had massive health issues. While taking time out I've volunteered on PTA and taken on a senior admin role there, volunteered at Scouts, facilitated the Freedom Programme, and am currently studying a degree in Chemistry at the OU, so I've kept busy outside of the home.
Job 1 - receptionist/admin for a clinical research company, full time Mon- Fri 9-5. Attracted me because it's related to my degree and thought it would bring that and my admin experience together. However, commute isn't great, would mean my youngest being in childcare before and after school for long hours, and would pay a fortune in train fairs. Salary is just above minimum wage.
Job 2 - just round the corner from Job 1, but part time admin role, not science related. Bit of a better salary than Job 1 (obviously pro rata), but same commute and same cost in train fares. However, would do away with needing childcare as could fit in with school hours.
Job 3 - contact centre where could work 9-5, but also work from home so could do overtime evenings and weekends from home if required. They've also offered me a 20 hour admin role so 20 hours would be doing that, and could make up to full time hours answering calls either from home or in office. Salary again just above minimum wage BUT - the commute is a 15 minute drive even at busy times, free parking available and even if doing 9-5 wouldn't need to put my daughter in breakfast club and she wouldn't spend as long in after school club. Also, in case either child was off school I could work from home, could also do this during school holidays too.
All roles are within family businesses that have grown over the past few years and are continuing to expand, and have indicated that they would like to give me the opportunity to grow my career with them as they do so. I love the ethics and dynamics of all the workplaces, and they all had a lovely feel to them, and I think I would perform well at any of the companies. The science one is really pulling me but I'm unsure about the long hours my daughter will be in childcare, and whether I'll break even after paying out travel and childcare costs. I've been doing the degree not necessarily for a career in science but to improve my employability and to keep my brain active. So, mumsnet jury, any feedback to help me choose?