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[justwhiisitwhosvotingtory]

I've been a SAHM mum for about 3 years now and my youngest is coming up to 2. I went back to work briefly after mat leave for my eldest but couldn't really cope with it, then I got pregnant again soon after I left and have been at home ever since.

DH is very supportive of me being at home and we can afford to live off his earnings. Up to now I couldn't earn enough to cover 2 lots of childcare but I could now get the 30 hours for my eldest DC.

A really interesting position has come up locally - term time only, part time - in a similar field to where I was working before, but in an admin role not an executive role. It sounds great but...

I really struggled to manage my previous 'executive' (part time)job and only 1 DC. I suffer from anxiety and can find it hard to balance things. DH is not keen on me going back to work until the DCs are both at school, as he knows how stressed I can get. His job is not flexible so it would be down to me to sort pick ups, drop offs etc. We don't have local support in case of illness etc. I am also very nervous about coping back in a professional role.

On the other hand, I am beginning to want more mental stimulation and would like to be an adult sometimes and I guess getting back into work won't get any easier? Also this is an admin role with fixed hours so should be far less 'full on' than my previous job.

does anyone have any advice or suggestions about what worked for them? Thanks!

What is the industry? Some 'admin' roles are more stressful than others.

The qualifying hours for 30h childcare are equivalent to around 22h/w termtime only, by the way (unless well paid) which is nearly full time. Check carefully before you commit.

What worked best for me after a similar period as a SAHM was working from home. I like the privacy and flexibility. It's an admin (ish) job related to my pre-DC job so very specific but the WFH is really valuable.

groupie - its in education if that helps.

mrshathaway - thank you - but part of my reason for wanting a job is to leave the house!

Ha ha it is a bit lonely but it is less anxiety-provoking for me than commuting and having to be "on" all day with other people.

Hope you find a good fit for you and your family. Would volunteering fit the "get out of the house" requirement? Could bridge the gap between SAHM and later employment perhaps when both DC are in school full time?

Yes I currently do volunteer a bit - but I can't afford to pay for childcare to do more IYSWIM. I think it is just that this role seems a great fit and there might not be anything so suitable in 18 months time when I was planning to go back anyway.

Go for it, what's the worst that will happen? If it causes more stress than it's worth you leave. But give it a good go if you get the job, it could take a few months for you to feel settled and like you belong

I think it sounds really good and you should go for it.

Returning to work can be daunting but I hope it helps you and your anxiety. Good luck OP.

Thank you, I think I shall give it a go.