to return to work at the moment?

[Manchmallehrerin]

I finished my last contract at Christmas. I was planning to return after Easter but then Covid happened. I am currently therefore a SAHP homeschooling my DCs.

A new contract has come up for September - the hours I want at a company I am keen to work for, but not my preferred role. So good but not perfect... It is not a job where I could WFH.

My issue is the uncertainty over Covid for school and childcare. I have no idea if the DCs will be at full time school or if wrap around care will be available. It is complicated that my youngest will be starting reception and I have no idea what the induction timescale will look like (and neither do the school!). DH works full time and could ask for some flexibility but realistically if we are both working we need some childcare...

AIBU to maketo go back to work now and make life more complicated at this time? Financially I can wait but I am itching to get back into work for myself. Should I just hang on another 6 months until there is more certainty?

I would hang on, especially as the job you are looking at isnt your ideal job. I completely get your desire to return to work. I hated being a sahm. But the childcare situation come september is going to be a complete nightmare. Every working parent is going to be hunting childminders down because kids will definitely not be back in school on a regular timetable (I am a teacher). I would just stick it out until things become a little clearer in September or October.

I feel your pain on this one! I was made redundant in March and have been on 12 weeks notice. I'm applying for part time roles but I'm not convinced that when DS goes back to nursery it won't shut again for another lockdown. Or that he won't be sent home every other week when he gets the inevitable cold.

If my current applications don't work out, I think I'll leave it til August or September if that helps. Despite struggling being a SAHM.

I would chat to the company to see their take on the situation. If they are understanding it will make a world of difference.