WWYD? Stay home or work full time?

[hartwood]

DC are 5 and 1. Part time would be ideal as I worry about leaving the youngest so much (he's very clingy) but I'm struggling to find anything (shifts are not an option).

A position has come up for a term time only job that I think I'd be good at. Hours are 8:30-4:30 and at least I'd still have the holidays with them.

We can afford for me to stay home until they're at school but I worry about having a huge gap on my CV (I'm only 23).

What would everyone else do? Does everyone's DC get used to nursery/childminder eventually (he's honestly the clingiest child ever).

Take the job! Your children will be absolutely fine. All three of mine loved nursery.

I'd take the term time only job - it's such a nice balance once they're both at school.

Term time jobs are so rare and will make your life so much easier once they are both at school. I’d take it

I would work full time. I always have and, health willing, I always will.

Really important not to be financially dependent.

Take the job.

I would take the job.
My son has thrived in nursery and he was very clingy baby. He now runs into nursery with a smile on his face and runs out with a smile on his face!

I would definitely take the job. Mine both were in nursery from 9-11 months. The years of working when they were little have paid off a lot in terms of salary and progression in my career. And particularly if you have lots of flexibility, that's even better.

I would apply and see how far you get. If it was offered to me, then yes I think I would take it. Term time means you are only ever 6-7 weeks away from some time off with your children.

Take the job - term time only will save you a fortune on wraparound care, and it’s so much easier to get back into employment if you don’t have big gaps in your CV. Your son will be fine with the childminder!

Thanks everyone! You've all given me the push I needed to apply. There are actually a few nearby me so fingers crossed I get offered at least one!

Go for the job.

Omg take the job!

Your kids will be fine, baby will love nursery especially when they get to about 2/3. They adore being with friends and playing all day.

Another factor is your own financial independence. Whilst it’s great that you know you’d be ok financially with your partner, you have to be smart. Relying on another person for money and stability can be tricky at best and absolute hell at worst.
Having your own income, career and social network will make you a more rounded, happier mum I’m sure!

A Term Time Only (TTO) job is a great find, being around in the school holidays is (to me) a real bonus.
As you know with your oldest, the early years do seem to go by in a blink but your youngest will be ok in a childcare setting and once they’re both in school the TTO routine will be fab. I’ve got a TTO job and it’s working well (mine are now 5, 7 and 9).

I think term time only and full time are different matters, as you don't need school holiday childcare for the eldest and there's childminders who only take "teachers" children so they can have the school hols off with their own kids.

I’d take it and get a term time nursery place. The job will be great when they’re at school! Taking it would also mean you were financially independent.

Job every time!

Term time would be great!

As pp said term time is amazing!

Don't worry about gap on cv.. What more reason to have a gap than raising your own dc!!

Others do all sorts. I took ten years out until dc were 5..and in school.
Now I'm part time.

Don't panic or worry if you want to stay at home a little longer, dc who can't talk are vulnerable and personally I'd only use child care if there was no other way or for short periods to have a break.

If for instance you couid even do a four day working week.. That would be almost perfect! However.. Holidays are long.. Half term.. Summer etc. Would the childcare allow you this time off or still charge you for it?

Overall.. In my long ramble it's very rare to find such jobs and a great find... If you can spend holidays with the baby.. But for me.. I'd wait till baby a little older before working all day five days a week.

But its a far better compromise than many people can get!!

Apply anyway, term time jobs are incredibly sought after and pretty rare, and obviously if you are successful in securing an interview and offer, you can reassess if need be.

• oh pull the other one, I agree and I have all you describe now.. But I was able to do both? It's not and either or situation and shouldn't be painted as such. You can usually take some time out to look after your own non verbal children.. And then also go back to the work place? Or blend both... Without one or the other.

Another one to say to take the job! Just tell yourself that you'll give it a good go bit if really doesn't work out, you can always leave.

Go for the job, definitely! I felt the same as you about clingy babe so I can sympathise.

Go for the job. Definitely. Good luck!