Help! Returning to work

[decisionsdecision]

DS is now 9 months old. My old job went through a merger and the job I was doing is not the same at all anymore and I don't want to go back to it!
However my company has published a list of new job opportunities quite a few of them would be a step up for me and I'm really keen. I liked my workplace as well! The money would also go up so I would be left with something after paying for DS childcare.
However I feel so guilty. Realistically with the current environment I wouldn't be starting if I even got the job for a few months but I feel like I should be off with him and that sending him to childcare is bad of me.
We don't necessarily need the money. My partner has a very good job and oh covers mortgage, bills and a little bit left over but I've always been career driven and staying at home has been hard for me but I've loved watching DS grow (I'm 23 if that makes a difference)
What would you do? Should I be staying off with DS and looking for a career when he starts school?
Help!!!

Are you married to DP? If not I’d be making sure I had an independent income so I’d be going back to work.

I'd go for it to be honest, you might not get offered a step up in which case your choice is old job or stay home. Or you get offered new job and your choice is new job or stay home. They're quite different, I think it's healthy to balance your career and your parenting.

Plus additional income is only a good thing all round, even with nursery fees (and financial independence for you)

My DD has been going to a childminder since 9 months old, my career has come on in leaps and bounds since and it's a good feeling knowing I can support us should something go tits up.

My DD loves the CM and it's done her no harm. She is very sociable and come on in leaps and bounds. We have lovely weekends and I cherish the time I spend with her.

I work full time. It's not bad to want to work and not stay at home full time, just like it's not bad to stay at home until they go to school.

@Jellycatspyjamas we aren't married, due to get married early next year. I've always been financially independent though so it's been hard to accept him paying for everything!

Definitely go for the step up, as you’ve said it won’t be for a few months anyway.

If you’re not married you have no financial security if things go wrong - I’d go back to work.