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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Sick to death of COVID, juggling work, kids and ‘symptoms’

15 replies

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 09:07

So so stressed out! I work for the NHS and understand totally the strain/impact this virus has had on the UK but since the kids have been back at school for the last two weeks have had nothing but stress - having to isolate them - sending them home for a simple cough - the hassle of logging in every hour to try and get tests not to mention the trauma they will go through when having them - missing time off work not knowing if I will be stopped money or be forced to use holiday - I really am questioning if it is worth working when you have children if this is how it will be for the foreseeable future? Would I have sufficient reason to quit my job? The stress is getting unbearable now and really do not know what the answer is 😔

OP posts:

ssd · 21/09/2020 09:10

You are asking a question no one can answer.

Mindymomo · 21/09/2020 09:12

I totally understand you. There was a post last week from a mother of 5 who expects to be permanently at home until children's colds settle down once they’ve been back a while.

tryingmybest29 · 21/09/2020 09:16

I am stressed about it all and I don't work for the nhs like you so I can only imagine the added stress from that.

I'm actually a sham and it's all stressing me out enough! DS has had a cold. Just a cold to start, school said he can go in. Now he's developed a cough. Probably from the cold but a cough regardless. We did manage to get a test yesterday so just waiting on results.

Stressing that this will be a regular occurrence all winter..

Stressing how much school they could miss. Both have sen and missing school is not ideal..

Di11y · 21/09/2020 09:21

Youngest got a cold on Thursday night with a cough at night, just over the 3 episodes. So 2 children off school/childcare. Couldn't get a test for several hours then jackpot. 2.5 days letter still no results, another day off school. Tried to chase up test, too busy apparently so just isolate for 2 weeks instead

Original poster

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 09:21

@tryingmybest29

I am stressed about it all and I don't work for the nhs like you so I can only imagine the added stress from that.

Stressing that this will be a regular occurrence all winter..

Stressing how much school they could miss. Both have sen and missing school is not ideal..

It's just been constant since they have been back, like you say it's their futures at stake without an education, I feel so guilty because of work, they're stretched as it is but my hands are tied, it's flu season now so I really do believe this is going to be happening probably every other week if not weekly if you have more than one child, it is all getting me down and feel like I'd be much better off just being at home, but then there's being able to afford that and where I would stand if I did step down 😔 really wish there was a light at the end of this tunnel but unfortunately I cannot see one just yet or anytime soon 😭 wish someone had the answers!

OP posts:

Original poster

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 09:22

@Di11y

Is that what you have been advised in the end? To just isolate anyway 😔 so the poor kiddies had it done for nothing 😭😔

OP posts:

Original poster

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 09:24

@ssd

You are asking a question no one can answer.

I think you're right 😔

OP posts:

Original poster

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 09:24

@Mindymomo

I totally understand you. There was a post last week from a mother of 5 who expects to be permanently at home until children's colds settle down once they’ve been back a while.

Just seems the stress isn't worth it all better off just being at home 😔

OP posts:

Deux · 21/09/2020 09:30

My DD is prone to tonsillitis and I’m dreading it as she always gets a temp. She always gets a temp with a common cold as well. Panicking at the thought of not getting a test and all of us having to isolate for 2 weeks. DH’s business just couldn’t cope with him being in isolation repeatedly over winter. In fact he’s said he won’t do that.

It’s crap all round and I blame the government and their lack of preparedness. It’s not like this fiasco couldn’t have been foreseen. Among my mum friends we all knew this would happen. How it’s taken the government by surprise is baffling.

I’m hoping we’ll have rapid testing soon like they have in Italy.

I’m between jobs right now and we’re contemplating it remaining that way so I can deal with winter. Ugh.

AmyandPhilipfan · 21/09/2020 09:36

This situation is going to be so damaging for women’s employment. I would bet that in about 95% of cases it’s going to be mums giving up work to look after the children.

Heartofstrings · 21/09/2020 09:39

My boys had one day back and a week off. Then three days back and now two weeks off. So unsettling for everyone

Wonderrwall · 21/09/2020 10:15

The NHS offer unpaid career breaks if that would be an option for you.

user1471457751 · 21/09/2020 10:18

While the tests are unpleasant they are not close to being traumatic. Perhaps if you were less of a drama queen about it then your kids would find it easier

HeadSpin5 · 21/09/2020 10:23

I’m a relatively high earning mum and having already dropped to part time to cope with home schooling have now thrown in the towel and handed notice in completely. There are/were issues with the job too plus am evaluating where I want my career to go anyway, but the Covid situation has 100% advanced this decision.

Original poster

Sammieantha86 · 21/09/2020 10:39

@Wonderrwall

The NHS offer unpaid career breaks if that would be an option for you.

I'm not sure where I would stand then with any benefits as I would need some kind of income to live 😥

OP posts:

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