Do I Take This Job?

[TiffanyAtBreakfast]

I have a decision to make regarding a job and I genuinely can't decide what to do.

For 2 years I've run a small business which brings in a little bit of money, mainly weekend work, which worked perfectly around my youngest DD who has ASD and was home with me 3 days a week.

Her behaviour is extremely demanding from the moment I collect her from school, right through to the nighttime when she wakes multiple times.

I'm also struggling with an eating disorder likely caused by stress.

My DH makes decent money in his job, but I started to feel the pressure from the constant 'what will you DO now she's at school?!' questions from everyone around me. So I started to look for a job, and amazingly I've been offered a part time, term time only job in a school.

The people are lovely, it fits in with family life etc. I just don't know if I feel ready mentally to start a job and to be honest I'd love some time and space to just work on improving my own mental health, sorting out the house etc.

I feel like the only reason I'm taking the job is because a) my parents will be disappointed in me if I don't (they are very much boomers who are determined everyone must work 3 jobs and be utterly miserable to be a valid human being) and b) because I know that job with these hours don't come around very often and I might regret not taking it...

WWYD? Sorry it's long!

(Also I want to add that I know people do work full time, high pressure jobs with a high needs child with no complaints, and they are absolute superheroes)

Take it. If you hate it leave. What will you be doing?

Try to ignore reason a (I know it's hard). But reason b does seem valid to me - these jobs are hard to find! Can you give it a go and promise yourself that you'll resign if it's not working out?

Take it. See how it goes. You might enjoy doing something different and away from your domestic responsibilities.

Or, don't take it and don't mention it to anyone. Have the time you need and look again when you are ready.

Maybe set yourself a time limit and some goals for the time between now and when you think you'll be ready to go back to work.

It's worth adding that for many, mental health improves when in work and declines when not, so factor that into your thinking if you are working on your mental health.

If you've got judgy parents then starting a job and then leaving will probably invoke more judgement than not mentioning any offers until you are good and ready to go back.

Good luck