To still not know whether or not to go for interview?

[elderflowerlemonade]

I have an interview for a teaching position.

If I were to be offered the post, my salary would effectively be wiped out by childcare costs. I would have two very young children (both under 2) in full time childcare. There would be few if any financial benefits as a result.

But there are all the usual arguments for going back to work - I am a crap SAHM; I am bored; my pension and so on.

But DH keeps saying why don't i just leave it another year so DD has some free hours and I will in his words make a profit and I am reluctantly seeing what he means.

WIBU to pull out? It does seem a bit stupid ...

[1stMrsF]

Interview always worth it for the experience - could be a good confidence boost, help you explore whether you want the job or not, which could help decide the broader do I want to work question? Good luck if you decide to go.

[elderflowerlemonade]

Oh - him staying at home did you mean? Sorry - it's not you, it's me!

I said that to him a couple of days ago and he said that we couldn't do that because I'd change my mind after a few months and want to be home again and would expect him to sort out the mess I'd made.

Plus he earns a lot more.

[elderflowerlemonade]

I'm leaning towards going because of you lot

[NinkyNonkers]

The only thing I would say is that teaching interviews are hard (as I'm sure you know), and if you are offered it it tends to be there and then which could put you in an awkward position. Equally, schools put a lot into an interview. I wouldn't go unless I thought I would take it if offered.

[NinkyNonkers]

But your DH sounds like a bit of an arse (sorry), I'd probably go for it to annoy him if nothing else.

[elderflowerlemonade]

I know Ninky, that is why I posted really as if I go I definitely want to know I want it, if you see what I mean (and )

[ASettlerOfCatan]

If its teaching childcare may not be as much as you think. Check childminders rather than nursery as you may be able to get care that finishes at 5 instead of 6 and which allows bigger unpaid breaks in holidays.

Work is about your mental health as well as money. Also keeping experience up to date. Go for the interview.

[JassyRadlett]

I said that to him a couple of days ago and he said that we couldn't do that because I'd change my mind after a few months and want to be home again and would expect him to sort out the mess I'd made.

After hearing that twattish comment, definitely go, and definitely take it. What a twattish and infantilising thing to say.

[DorisLessingsCat]

1. Pension benefits.
   
2. Reducing career break and therefore increasing future promotion chances.
   
3. Increasing financial resilience for your family (what if your DH died / was unable to work / lost his job).
   

All great reasons for going back to work. It's shortsighted just to look at childcare costs.

Plus, working full time, your DH should do 50% of the household and childcare jobs. So his motivation in saying you should stay at home may not be entirely financial.

[whois]

If you don't absolutely 100% want to be at home, then you should go for the interview. It's only a year of the money not being worthwhile but all that time you are paying into your pension and climbing the ladder, so reaping future benefits. Also easier to go back to work with a short break compared to a longer break.

[elderflowerlemonade]

Thank you.

Ive been exploring the possibility of a live in nanny as the babies are so young and because it would help a bit with the house (DH won't.) So it would be expensive but childcare has to be what's best for them and to be honest the cost is much the same as we have a school age child too and he's lovely and helpful but still too young to be just left.

[redsquareyellowsquare]

If I were you I would just do whichever option makes you happy! There is no right or wrong. I might be a bit surprised if you were suggesting working ft and lowering your overall monthly income (although there are people who do that too!).

On a separate note (and I know its not what you asked, so feel free not to answer me), have you previously worked as a teacher? As in, do you know what you are letting yourself in for hours wise?

Good luck at the interview!

[elderflowerlemonade]

Yes I've worked as a teacher. I didn't seem to experience the work/life balance struggle much.

[redsquareyellowsquare]

Its not that I think the hours are particularly bad, rather that (in my opinion) it is worth having some paid for childcare after school (in the 3-6ish) slot, if you can. Anyway, seems like you have it covered.

All the best - sounds exciting!

[fastdaytears]

DO IT!!

[Treats]

So - if the same money is coming in to the house regardless of whether you're staying at home or working, it's not a financial decision.

If your husband's daily routine carries on pretty much as it did whether you're staying at home or working, it doesn't affect him, so it's not his decision.

So it comes down to whatever YOU want to do. Hurrah!

Although, regardless, I'd be having some sharp words with him about the lack of input to the housework.

[elderflowerlemonade]

Yes, it's just always been what I do, as he works longer hours, but I am not very good at it I used to be

[hibbledibble]

Could you get a cleaner as you will be slightly better off working?

It would be pretty exhausting otherwise. I certainly never wanted to clean when I got back from a long day of work.

[OOAOML]

Have you worked out the figures post-tax? Have you factored in pension impact (eg making contributions now rather than in a year, any tax efficient savings)? is it full time or would they be open to part time?

If you want to work even if for few (initial) financial benefits then do it. In fact, even if you're not sure do the interview - you can always decline if it doesn't feel right.

[elderflowerlemonade]

I'd be chancing my arm with a cleaner but in all honesty it's mess rather than dirt that's the issue which a cleaner wouldn't solve.

I doubt the post would be considered for part time - they'd have said otherwise.

We'll see

[JassyRadlett]

I'd be chancing my arm with a cleaner but in all honesty it's mess rather than dirt that's the issue which a cleaner wouldn't solve.

My cleaner is a whizz at tidying when we've been a bit slack. And knowing she's coming makes us a bit tidier anyway!

Honestly, your DH is coming across as a bit of a bully. He has a choice here if you decide to go back to work. Either he picks up 50% of the housework, or he agrees to a cleaner coming in.

[JassyRadlett]

If you want to work even if for few (initial) financial benefits then do it. In fact, even if you're not sure do the interview - you can always decline if it doesn't feel right.

And remember as well that from September instead of childcare vouchers the new system kicks in, which pays 20% of your childcare costs up to £2k contribution per child. That might make a difference to your calculations if not already factored in.

[JassyRadlett]

Argh. Except I've just seen that due to a legal challenge by the childcare voucher companies, the implementation for tax free childcare has been put back to early 2017. The Supreme Court upheld the new system but it's obviously caused a delay. Fuckers.

[elderflowerlemonade]

Thanks.

Oh, I don't know.

It seems quite cruel to put a 5 month old in FT childcare when i don't really need to?

[elderflowerlemonade]

They have offered me the post, if anyone was interested, but I'm so unbelievably exhausted and drained.

I need a sleep.