To work...or not to work

[Robishar]

DC2 is coming up to 10months old and I'm due back at work.
3ish months ago I spoke to my boss about returning to work being unfeasible due to childcare costs. My boss basically said they don't want to lose me and I could pick my own hours.
Me and DH came up with a plan which involves me working 8hrs Fri and Sat and 2 shorter shifts in the week, my boss ok'd this and this is the plan when I start back.

However, here is my dilemma. My husbands basic salary isn't enough to cover our outgoings as it stands, BUT, he works in a job which pays massively for overtime and has an abundance of it. He can earn in 1 Fri & Sat what I make in an entire month. But now I'll be working the Fri and Sat, he won't be able to do those days overtime, so it massively cuts his earning potential.

Should I not go back to work, which opens up his ability to earn huge amounts (he can work every weekend and quadruple what I would earn a month) or, do I go back to work because its safer to have 2 incomes? If I didn't go back and he was earning big money, we would use it to reduce our monthly outgoings by paying things off or insurances etc upfront.

Just to add...He is not pressuring me either way and says I should do what I feel and if I want to work just to have a break from being Mummy he totally supports that.
Also, if I didn't go back to work, we could go down to one car, saving £250 a month straight off.

When would he see his kids if he's working 6 days a week?

If his earnings are that good, childcare won't be an issue if he works some Fridays..think of it as coming from half his pay/half yours so you both still make money

Please go back. Don't put this pressure on your husband to work around the clock while you don't work at all. And earn your own money, keep your career going and pensions contributions. Sitting at home waiting for the free hours to kick in will benefit nobody in the long run.

For some reason a sahm are slammed here on mn.But you do whatever works for your family and don't let anyone discourage you if you decide to not go back to work.And if you do that's ok too.
People would be appalled to know I've never worked outside the home and I never will.And that's what my husband and I decided together.
So do what YOU want to do.
Much luck to you!!

These figures only work 6 the short-term. When your child is 3, you'll start getting childcare hours. Thats if you're not eligible for hours at 2 years, and then they'll be at school not long after that.

It's worth keeping a job for that reason. This situation is not for long.

£250 seems high for a car payment can you not trade your car for a small runaround!

Work a regular schedule and pay for childcare. Then your husband is free to take overtime shifts. You will be better off then if you stayed home because you will have a job with an income. You will be making pension contributions. You will be adding to your experience which will help with salary progression. If something happens to his job, he can provide childcare and the family will have your income while he job hunts.

unless you can comfortably live one earner’s income without variable pay like overtime or bonuses, it is just too risky not to go back to work.

Go back, don't lose a job that provides flexibility and where you have a good track record. It will be stimulating for you and good for your self esteem. I suggest paying for childcare on either the Friday or Saturday so he can do overtime. The cost is shared not just yours as others have said.

Does he pay into a pension for you?

I would go back. You are very lucky to have a job that allows you to pick your own hours. It is so much nicer to have your own money, get a pension and your family isn't reliant on one wage. Also the current and immediate future ecomic outlook isn't that great. Would you be able to get another job easily?

Could dh drop to a 4 day week, off every Monday with dc, then pick up overtime Fri and Sat?

Then you work a long Monday, both of you pay for childcare for Tues and Wed, then you off with dc Thurs Fri and Sat, with Sunday as a family day?

Thank you!
It does seem the case regarding SAHM doesn't it. I expected varied responses, intact, was hoping for them. But alot of responses have just slammed me for even considering it, I didnt think it was unreasonable to be weighing up the options!

Thanks everyone for your replies!
Me and my DH spoke about it all last night and have decided that although in the short term, my working inhibits his earning potential, the long term stability and the security 2 incomes provide is more important. So I will be returning to work. Hooray!

Few points though -

1. I never MADE my husband work overtime or expected him to, infact, I prefer him home with us. But he is an incredibly hard worker and is very money driven so takes all the overtime he can get. His choice, he is not obliged to from my perspective.

1. Our finances are entirely joint. We got a joint account before we married and money is never his or mine, it is completely ours! We consult on large purchases but otherwise we please ourselves.

1. Alot of people on here seem quite scathing of SAHM and seem to think it's a selfish thing to do. However, I think it's actually a very selfless thing to do and applaud any women who manages it long term, it's hard work. It doesn't mean they're lazy or FORCING their poor DH to support them, it may just work for their family.

Thank you everyone for you replies, most of them very helpful and constructive and gave me a few things I hadn't considered (pension etc.)