Working from home with a toddle? Is it possible?

[mamamel2020]

Hey looking for some advice on working from home and a toddler😩

I’ve always worked full time since I left school and had to cut down my hours when pregnant as I was ill. I went back when he was 7 months due to the way my maternity worked out, Now my boys 18months and I’m still part time, Ive been struggling a lot not working full time as I’ve always done it and need to keep the routine as it messes with my mental health and I’m not bringing in anywhere near as much money as I used to and it’s really getting me down.

So I’ve been offered a full time job, 5 days over 7 on shift patterns. 2 of the shift patterns suit perfect but one is a 7am start and nursery doesn’t open till 8.

It’s a help desk role where I will be receiving and making calls and I’m just wondering if anyone does anything similar without using childcare or limited in the way of childcare?

Any help of advice is greatly appreciated!!❤️❤️

@Yellowdott

How did people commenting on here survive the pandemic? And all the self-isolating?

I can't understand how you all have such demanding toddlers that you can't imagine someone working for 1hr while having one at home. Maybe I'm extremely lucky with my girl but she easily stays in her room playing with her toys for 1hr and she's 2. And happily watches TV for 2-3 hours, though only let her do that when there's no other option.

I'd give it a go, OP. Let your employer know your situation beforehand - they might be understanding if you have the odd occasion you're away from your desk for a few mins. Plus, your child needs to learn some independence and to be able to entertain himself without your input for one hour. It's not a long time and it'll only get easier as he gets older.

Yes you are lucky - I couldn't work at home with toddler in the pandemic it was the most stressful time- he got upset if I went to the bathroom without him let alone tried to sit on computer. He is older now (and more interested in tv) so it is better so I could probably cope for a hour but not guaranteed so I wouldn't do it for a job involving being on phone calls.

The calls would be the issue for me. I could have done this with DD when she was 18m but now nearly 3 I tried to call the GP with her around the other day and she climbed all over me shouting "HELLO DOCTOR" at my face. There's no way I could have left the room or distracted her or got her to be quiet I just had to manage and ask the doc to repeat stuff. That was just 5 min not an hour.

If that was a client/work call, well, it just couldn't have been could it?! Another day she might happily watch Peppa for that hour but you just never know with toddlers 🤷🏻‍♀️

I work at home a lot with my toddler at my feet. If for a couple of hours or less it's fine. Toddler can self entertain, play with toys, watch cartoons, etc. Anything longer than this I couldn't do.

What would happen if they were sent home from nursery sick? Would you have provision then? I think one hour once a week is doable.

@roseberrycherry

What would happen if they were sent home from nursery sick? Would you have provision then? I think one hour once a week is doable.

Can you explain how is it doable if the job is receiving calls on a help desk? I've done this job. Calls are constant one after the other and you do need total silence. Callers calling for help on a specific issue do not want to hear Peppa pig or a toddler in the background. Calls are all recorded and quality checked and employers also do not want to hear Peppa pig or a toddler in the background.

No, and it'll be no good for your mental health to try to do it either. It'll be too stressful and you'll be failing at both work and taking care of your child.
Can your FIL or partner be with him for that hour? Can partner go in late one day?