Hello everyone. I'd greatly appreciate your views on this.
18 months ago I moved in with my partner and built a posh shed in the garden that I use to run my beauty business. I also do business consulting for the company that made me redundant three years ago. At that point I did a complete u turn on my career and retrained in beauty. The main reason is because my son has special needs and he was having massive issues with mainstream school. The time out helped me to get him diagnosed, fill out the ten trillion forms needed to get help etc.
Last week I recieved an email out of the blue from old boss, who I enjoyed working for asking if I would join his business as a Director. His business is going well. The job is a perfect combination of my skills and background and I could do it well. The job is full time, but with flexible working and a local office. Salary is reasonable with a car and bonus.
Here is the thing. I feel really nervous as my son is starting a new special school, first school which can meet his needs in September. He will be taxied to and from school. I can afford to get an after school nanny to meet him at home and be with him till about 5.30 when I would get back. I am used to being my own boss and being able to flex for appointments, issues with school etc. I have explained the situation to new/ old boss and he understands. I have no family locally to call on in an emergency. My partner works long hours in the city so would never be able to help. New job starts end of October.
My partner is generally great. My bug bear has always been that because I am at home working I should be able to hold down fulfilling full time house duties. I explained things would definitely need to change. His 15 year old step-daughter lives with us and she does absolutely nothing around the house and we have argued about it before. However, that is another thread. His response was I could pay for a cleaner out of my wages ....don't think the point was quite landing, this makes the house my responsibility again.
I just don't know whether to take this job. Financially despite now having to pay childcare I would be slightly better off but will lose my flexibility. Career wise it is a real sound move. I have also been feeling very lonely at home and getting a bit down, despite my lovely clients.
Second question is on the money situation. Up to now I have just paid the food bill (not cheap about £600 a month (my partner eats loads!) I have also paid for stuff around the house. We live in his house, I rent mine out. However, I always have this feeling of 'this my house' from him. With the extra salary I think he is expecting me to help furnish and finish a massive renovation job. I think if it remains 'his house' I should pay half of all the bills and food and cleaner etc from a joint account once I have this job. Do you think that is fair? Unless we have some formal agreement about my interest in the house I don't see why I should pay for these things.
Sorry for the two partner question but they are linked ....honest! Any views or experiences greatly appreciated.