To go back to work after 3 years as a SAHM?

[Usernamqwerty]

I have 2 DC - DS just turned 3 and DD just turned 1. Apart from DS having 3 hours at preschool every morning, I have them all day long. I have some time off at the weekend, but during the week I am shattered from the long days and the hard work. No family around to help and DH works long hours.

I didn't go back to work after DS as I would have been worse off financially, so it's been over 3 years since I worked. I started volunteering once a month in January for some recent experience.

I've been thinking about going back to work in January when DS will get his free hours. Will probably only be able to get NMW, so will only make £3 an hour after paying for childcare for my youngest (plus any travel costs).

Is this even worthwhile? I want to use my brain in a different way but don't know if it's worth it for so little reward...

So what would your projected take home pay be? The thing is you'll get different answers from different sorts. Some women may not bother going back for £500, others would. It's what it means to you If you are happy with a small wage at the end of the month because the positives outweigh the negatives then go for it. You will gain a lot by working and will not always be on NMW.

If it would make you happier then do it!

Thank you both!

You may get less than you expect because a lot of nurseries restrict the free hours so you almost have to top up. Not all (the one attached to our local children's centre was amazing - but has struggled to keep going with lack of funding).

Still I think it's worth going back - if only for the toilet breaks!