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Original poster

Kids vs career progression

18 replies

Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:26

I interviewed for a job today and am positive that they might offer it to me. It’s 2k more than I’m on now (pro rata). I currently work 4 days, after the extra childcare costs it will end up about the same money wise, but, it will lead me to the next step career wise.
What would you do? Take the job full time?
If offered I will request 4 days/ compressed hours but if this isn’t an option what to do?
If I take this job I think I would be able to take the next career step in around a year and that would be an extra 5k or so and DC1 will be starting school and DC2 will get free hours so a massive difference money/career wise then.
I don’t know what to do!

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 13/08/2020 22:27

Take it. It isn't about the money, it's about the steps.

Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:29

I think that and then I think what about DC, will they miss me not spending that extra day with them?
Mum guilt maybe.

OP posts:
NextName2020 · 13/08/2020 22:34

What sort of job is it? Just wondering if you will be e.g. totally work from home remote computer based job or alternatively hours and hours commuting.

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Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:36

It will be totally remote to start with and then a gradual return to the office at some point (they aren’t sure when).
It’s a HR role for a national company.

OP posts:
Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:37

On days commuting it’s around 25 minutes each way - but I imagine this won’t be every day even when they do a staged return.

OP posts:
YouJustDoYou · 13/08/2020 22:39

Yes.i would do it.

Xiaoxiong · 13/08/2020 22:40

100% do it. The kids won't notice a thing, especially if you are remote at first and then they are at school.

notheragain4 · 13/08/2020 22:41

I would and did, and never regretted it for a moment.

Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:41

Do you think the extra day will impact on the kids though?
I usually have a Wednesday off so only ever 2 days before a day with the kids, so if they say they want to go to the park/zoo etc they don’t have to wait for the weekend.

OP posts:
Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:42

Oh I love how confident you all are!

OP posts:
notheragain4 · 13/08/2020 22:44

No they won't notice, just make the most of the time you go have, quality, not quantity. You'll feel it more I imagine, I didn't like jumping to full time, but I had to look beyond the length of my own nose, I was able to jump up 2 levels within 3 years after that initial move that sounds similar to yours, and now I have so much flexibility at this level, working full time, honestly, feels very seamless with my family life. With the benefit of more financial stability and me feeling fulfilled. Kids seem pretty happy too!

JHaniver · 13/08/2020 22:45

I would do it. I went from 3 days to 5 when mine were aged one and two. My career has benefited hugely since and I’m so glad I did it. My commute is very short though and my employer is family friendly which has helped to make sure me and the children don’t miss out on the important stuff.

Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 22:52

Ok. This all sounds really positive. I do think I’ll end up jumping up a couple of roles by the end of next year if I take it as I will have completed a qualification in that time as well.
The role is exciting, I will definitely ask about part time but if not maybe it’s not going to be the end of the world.
Kids are currently 3 and 2. If they were in school it would be a no brainer.

OP posts:
Trashtara · 13/08/2020 23:08

Hmmm. I went back full time after DC1 and again after DC2 (went back to work 7 months ago). I've also had a promotion.

Due to Covid19 work were forced to let me have a day off a week (due to childcare - I'm NHS) and that combined with seeing the kids more as DH has also had a day or two off has made me realise I wish I'd taken a step back career wise, at least while they are young.

As nursery has got back to normal and we're both 5 days most weeks, DS has said he misses days at home and that's been heart breaking.

SleepingStandingUp · 13/08/2020 23:14

Look yes they'll notice, but kids as plasticine and will mould to the situation. Soon they won't find it weird going nursery every day and they'll be doing something fun anyway. You'll be the one crying into your latte in the early weeks or when it's dark on a Wed afternoon and you want to be home. And in no time at all big one will be in school (just a year) and the little one the year after or so and you'll be a few more steps up and they'll benefit from a fulfilli Mom and your bank balance.

Original poster
Smarshian · 13/08/2020 23:14

I would always be going for full time in a year when DC1 starts school as DC2 will go to the preschool and it just makes sense.
I just can’t decide whether to wait a year.
I might not get the job anyway and then it won’t be an issue - just thinking of possibilities.

OP posts:
SleepingStandingUp · 13/08/2020 23:17

If you turn it down, Mandy will take it and she won't be giving it up so in a year it won't be there. Just saying. Mandy really wants it 😂

willieversleep · 13/08/2020 23:25

I would take it (and have done on a temporary basis twice now) as progression can often be a here and now opportunity in some careers. I don't regret it

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