Aibu to throw away my career

[mumofthreehundred]

I currently am employed by a company that I have worked for for 15 years. Trouble is for the last 5 years I've really not enjoyed working there. In fact I dread each day and cry at my desk at least a few times a week. Great benefits and pay is good (in theory). They let me work 4 days a week and that's as part time as I'm allowed. I end up doing hours in evening and starting early each day.

I also have 3 children under four including a set of surprise twins. Although I do get help with childcare (from my mum in law one day a week) I still pay loads (left with 500 quid after childcare). When my son starts school, I'm going to need to add holiday cover and after school and breakfast club. I've worked out that our total outgoings vs income is around £150 left.

I've seen a job advertised that is in a school and term time only that is approx 1/6th of my current salary! It doesn't even hit national insurance thresholds. It's only 10 hours a week!

I did the maths again and because I'd need only a childminder one x1 morning and all of school holidays off. Doing the income verses outgoings, I'd have £110 left each month. I may even qualify for some tax credits to add to that.

Am I missing something here? Yes it's scary on just one salary? I am throwing away a career but it's something I have zero desire to stay in. I'd get to spend more time with kids. Do every school pick off and drop off. I'm starting a career in a sector I'm very interested in.

Cons are; I am missing national insurance payments. What if my husband has issues with his job? What if I got sick and couldn't work? What if I hate my new job?

We have finally come to terms with the fact short of a lottery win, we won't be moving house anytime soon. And I'd rather be happy in life than say "I've got a better garden" or "I've got a spare room".

Other potential issues are: will I find someone to mind children one session a week (term time only)? My notice period is 2 months and the job needs you to start ASAP.

This is just in theory as I've not even been shortlisted yet!

The business manager I know moved from a high flying role in the private sector... And took a huge paycut...

I also wouldn't do it. Definitely look for something with more of a future career potential. I know you like the idea of this but if you look around there might be better school related jobs - lab assistant, speech therapy, etc?

I do understand how you feel as I had 4 under 5s with no help from family and it nearly killed me off - however I managed to keep my career going so far and the money has been very useful especially when my Dh lost his job and took a year to find another one....

Ps my youngest is 10 in September so not quite there yet and still have juggling issues but it's nowhere near as difficult as it used to be and the 14 year old does help babysit occasionally!!!

You've got nothing to lose by applying. Even if you're not successful then you've shown interest in working at the school which may lead to something else in the future and if you are successful then you can mull over the practicalities of whether to accept.

I got shortlisted for an interview next week but I just checked my emails and it says they will be contacting references prior to interview

So my boss will now know that I'm looking around for a new job. That I likely won't get.

Oh dear, I feel rather nervous about going into work tomorrow now.

Is that normal? I had ticked a box that said do not contact anyone without my permission.

Not enjoying your job for 5 years is a terrible waste of time - the fact that you cry a number of times a week to me says you need to leave that place.

Whether you take this role or another in your sector is up to you but you really need to leave. I work in HR` and see this often. For your health and happiness please take the leap and make a change.

and you can request that they do not contact your current employer for a reference at this stage. Its a standard data privacy question so if you are unsure, I would email the new employer and request they do not contact your current company at this stage.

Congrats on getting the interview anyway - yeay !

Don't feel nervous. Focus your energy now on preparing for the interview and imagining your next phase. I know its hard after 5 years but you'd be surprised how soon you stop worrying about your current company when things are in motion.

Very best of luck to you !

I love a complete thread so here goes: I went to interview, it wasn't the best they asked lots of specific questions you would only know if you work in a school.

They said I did great and was a nice person etc but in the end the job went to someone with school experience. Fair enough really.

I'm just not sure how to get that first job to get the much needed experience. Thanks v much for all your feedback and help. Maybe I'll have more luck in future. Plus a little interview experience won't hurt x

Well, you gave it a go and it didn't work out. At least you know, so there won't be any what might have beens. And now I think if I were you I would carry on looking at what's out there.