To consider this job with two children?

[Onlyfools]

I have a degree but haven’t been able to use it. I have a 7 & 2 year old. I stopped working 2.5 years ago when I fell pregnant.

OH has a great job. He’s happy with his work and gets a lot of job satisfaction. I am ready to return to work after spending 2-3 years as a SAHM.

When looking for local jobs I came across an application for trainee air traffic controllers. I applied as I thought it sounded interesting. I have passed several online tests and have now been invited for an interview outside of London. It’s a challenging, interesting and well paid job.

However it’s full on. There would be 8 months of training potentially in London which is 400 miles away from home. oH works from home so could technically move with me.

Then the plan would be to move home and get a job placed locally to me (apparently most jobs go to a centre quite close to me). But then there’s no guarantee, it asks for flexibility.

They don’t pay expenses for the travel to the interview so I’m wondering whether to just leave it and continue looking for something entry level locally.

The thought of learning something which could provide a well paid career is exciting but my kids are so young still I’m not sure.

I didn’t expect anything to come from the application and now I’ve been invited to interview I’m not sure. For context, 3300 applicant apply and 120 get through to the interview and 20 get the job.

Go for it - It has a very well organised shift pattern and good pay.

You will end up seeing a lot of your children compared to a normal 9-5

Definitely go for the interview, you'll always wonder if you don't go.

How exciting for you, good luck!

Sounds amazing OP - obviously discuss with DP but I'd say go for it!

Go for it. 2 good incomes will open up so much for you as a family

Sounds interesting. Give it a go.

Thanks for the feedback.

I guess the logistics are just stopping me being sure. If OH comes to the training location with me it would mean taking DS out of school. Otherwise I would go myself for 9 months and potentially only see them at weekends.

Then if after all that I don’t get a job close to home it wOuld mean relocation and I’m not sure how much I’d want that.

And if I’m unsure about all this now is there any point in paying for flights for the interview.

Of course you should go!

It’s a scarily challenging career that will involve shifts. You will need good flexible child care or help from family. However a family member did it and he was extremely well paid and found it interesting.

Do the interview and then see. They may be able to offer you training closer to home

It's a tough so good luck.

This aside, there's more to being a good mother than being at home. Providing financially, being a good role model, career, making the most of opportunities, qualifications, growth mindset ...

It sounds like you've got an idea of the pros and cons but of course there are some logistical issues. If you'd be likely to get a job near to where you live it could be great.

Could you afford to live away Mon-Fri for 8 months and pay childcare?

My SiL and brother did something similar when she did a 9 month post grad in another city. She lived away during the week. They went into debt for it but are please they made that choice. The debt was paid off very quickly by finding employment with her qualification.

Go for the interview. You've nothing to gain.

Go for the interview first and worry about everything else after that. Good luvk!

Go for the interview and worry about the rest if you get a job. You can always say no after all.
Good luck.

Well done, that sounds exciting! I known someone who does this job and she loves it. Even if you decide not to pursue it now, you could always come back to it in the future when your youngest is a bit older.

Go for it.

I gave my job up to care for my children and massively regret it.

I'm educated to post grad level and now can't even get retail work.

Go for it! You’ll spend your life wondering ‘what if...?’ Otherwise. And Congratulations and Well Done!!!

The interview has several tests so I have To learn lots of stuff and brush up on my maths. Also priced it and it’ll be at least an over night in a hotel plus train and then taxis. Going to cost at least £200. Then if I pass This stage There’s an additional final interview. The chances are very slim.

The training is in the college which is in the one location so no possibility of me being able to do it closer to home. And I don’t think I could remove my son from his school so would see Then only at weekends.

I’m really undecided. I know I should put just go for it but it’ll take weeks of studying a leaflet they sent me Then practising the maths skills then costing us £200.

I’m not sure if it would even work realistically. And if it would be too full on especially as OH job is very senior and stressful. I don’t think he would be able to cope alone for 9 months .

Maybe a part time job locally would be suffice and provide some mental stimulation which I crave. I don’t know

I would say go for it! It’s a really well paid job, think what that could mean for your children’s future! And lots of people relocate for various reasons, as a pp said, if you don’t try you’ll never know! But super well done for even getting this far, you should be really proud of yourself!!!