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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I need a new career

50 replies

Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:37

My life has changed. I can't do the sort of jobs I used to do like office work, GP receptionist type thing because of the children and being the only one who can take them to school and pick them up. It's a shame because I liked the work but I can't do the hours they need. My dh is the main earner has a very good job so he doesn't do school runs. I currently have been a SAHM for about 7 years.

OP posts:
Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:38

No family to help on either side.

OP posts:
HollyBollyBooBoo · 02/12/2018 13:38

Something to do with school so it fits around school hours? My DSis has just got a job as a lunchtime supervisor and loves it.

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:38

Hiring a nanny just seems like too much hassle

OP posts:
Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:39

Yes lunchtime supervisor does sound good but they are such high demand those jobs

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 02/12/2018 13:39

lots of people manage to work and have kids - childminder? After school club? etc

you are making things unnecessarily difficult!

continuallychargingmyphone · 02/12/2018 13:40

Op may not earn enough to cover childcare fees ghosty

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:41

Childminders in my area are mostly full and only work until 6 the ones that aren't. One day I would need to finish work at 6.30. Then what?

OP posts:
ghostyslovesheets · 02/12/2018 13:42

her DH is working as well

ilovesooty · 02/12/2018 13:42

Doesn't your husband's very good job mean you can buy in childcare if he can't make a practical contribution?
Isn't the hassle worth it to maintain your career development?

Puggles123 · 02/12/2018 13:43

What sort of hours are you looking to work? School and term time? If you have admin experience maybe try for the civil service (if you have somewhere nearby)- they offer term time working and part time; also flexi sometimes even when part time for maximum flexibility. If you do term time they just average your pay out over the year so you don’t go without in August, for example. Other than that, how about something in retail?

ghostyslovesheets · 02/12/2018 13:43

then what? you negotiate an extra hour from CM or THEIR DAD can pick them up

why is it all your responsibility?

continuallychargingmyphone · 02/12/2018 13:43

Well yes exactly! Going to work has benefits other than financial of course but it’s the main motivator for most of us. If the family suffer a net loss because of OPs work then that negates the point.

CurlyhairedAssassin · 02/12/2018 13:43

“Op may not earn enough to cover childcare fees ghosty”

No but her husband will and they’re his kids too. His job means that he can’t pick them up so he needs childcare.

After school Care is not like nursery fees. If’s Doable.

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:43

And yes the childcare fees would take all my money so I essentially would be working not for financial gain which isn't necessarily a problem it's just difficult getting childcare

OP posts:
ilovesooty · 02/12/2018 13:45

Is your husband supportive of your returning to work?

CurlyhairedAssassin · 02/12/2018 13:45

Why does it have to be a GP receptionist, which are open later so will cause issues. Could you look for for office hours in hospital admin maybe?

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:47

*then what? you negotiate an extra hour from CM or THEIR DAD can pick them up

why is it all your responsibility?*

I guess because he is a partner and I don't need to work and he is often home late has lots of meetings etc

OP posts:
CurlyhairedAssassin · 02/12/2018 13:47

After school childcare would take all your money? Are you absolutely sure? Doesn’t sound right to me at all. I have done this. Maybe you will end up working for nothing for the last 2 hours of the day but what about the money you’re earning the rest of the day when they’re in school costing you nothing?

CurlyhairedAssassin · 02/12/2018 13:50

I think you are making excuses. If he can afford the childcare then you can afford to work. It means you keep your skills up to date. You can’t foresee the future. you might HAVE to earn at some point in the future.

ghostyslovesheets · 02/12/2018 13:50

they aren't in childcare for long through - I went through a stage where all my pay went on nursery fees

now I just pay a child minder for 1 child 2 hours a night - the others are teens and I take home more money and still have my career - it's worth it

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 13:52

I have one in school and one preschool age. My dh generally thinks I should just volunteer because I've never really been that happy working in the past which isn't entirely true but I did used to have stressful jobs. Ideally I wanted someone to be able to take my youngest to preschool and pick up but I'm struggling to get that childcare and I would have to take youngest out of preschool and pass to a childminder which I didn't want to do. It's just so difficult. It gets me down.

OP posts:
MrsSchadenfreude · 02/12/2018 13:55

Au pair.

ilovesooty · 02/12/2018 13:58

I hope he's taken out a pension for you.
It doesn't sound as though he's really boosting your confidence of self belief that you can develop your skills.

lazymare · 02/12/2018 14:00

If you have experience in office work then set up as a VA.

Original poster
Chuggachuggatoottoot · 02/12/2018 14:00

He has talked about taking out a pension for me yes.

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