Should I take the job?

[mumguilt245]

I'm currently in a part time job that works well with my two children and the pay is quite reasonable. However it has no career progression and I regularly feel guilty that I have wasted my degree. I have been telling myself that once the children are abit older (they are 4 and 1) I will try to focus more on my career.

A job came up in my company recently that is something I have always wanted to do and is linked to my degree. I spoke to HR who said I could ask for flexible hours when applying and I was encouraged by everyone to go for it. To my shock I have been offered the job. It is a full time position though and when I asked they have said they would look into whether I could just do 4 days but that would be a minimum.

I'm completely torn if this was in about 2 years time it would be perfect. But I just know I am going to find it so hard being away from my children for them 4/5 days. I know so many mums do it. I just feel I can't win I have felt guilty for years about not contributing enough but now I feel guilt for leaving them. DH thinks I would be very silly to turn down such a good opportunity. My head definitely agrees with him and I think I would be angry with myself in a few years time knowing I turned down such an opportunity. But my heart just wants to be at home with my babies.
I probably sound ridiculous I just really would love to hear some advice from other mums. TIA

Sometimes it's worth being in a job and then asking to cut hours. Is it private or public sector and could you give it 6 months full time? Is it the kind of job t hat comes.up often? Can your husband do childcare ?

It's public sector. My husband will be able to do some childcare he already does a couple of days that I work so we will just have to put my youngest into nursery the other days.

Sorry just realised I missed some of your questions. It doesn't come up very often. The last time was 5 years ago. I think I have just got so use to my current job that I'm scared to lose it if I took this job and then found the hours too much. They said they are too busy to have people part time hours. Which my DH points out is a good thing in these current times.

It’s definitely worth asking for part time, and make sure they know if they can’t offer you pt you want to stay in your current role because you love the company, you will definitely be looking to move up when you can etc etc .

It’s also worth considering giving it a trial run for 6 months, then asking to reduce your hours. That is my sensible, fair advice.

My advice if you were my friend ?

Jobs come and go, your babies will be at school before you know it, and then heading to secondary school, and right now you are the centre of their world and you will never get that time back. Stay part time for now.

Other (hard questions) to ask yourself- Does your DH value caring roles ? Is he supportive of your being at home with the children, and happy to do his share with them ? And is this your dream job or his idea of what a dream job for you would be ?