To think even P/T work with small kids is impossible??

[LowryLowry]

I have an almost 1 year old and an almost 3 year old and have been a SAHM for the last couple of years. I've been vaguely looking out for p/t jobs and have been offered an interview for one which is 21hrs per week. Good job, in the field I want, with prospects. I've been trying to work out logistics and it just seems impossible. There'd be a 1hr commute each way. So, say I worked three days a week, 8-4, and DH dropped them off and I picked them up, that still just seems like an insanely long day for them. Then I'd literally just be picking them up, chucking some food into them and putting them to bed, then repeating for another two days. Is this just the norm? Then there's the probability of them being ill, DH going on work trips (not a regular thing, but reasonably frequent) Is it worth it?? I love spending time with my kids, but find the monotony and physical exhaustion quite hard at times. I feel a bit lost and would love to have 2 or 3 days a week to do something just for me. To not feel reliant on DH. To not feel like my career will never recover. To use my brain! But it just feels like the world of work isn't set up for people with kids, and that even working p/t would add a massive amount of stress to our lives. Anyone have any thoughts / advice / wisdom?

[LadyWhistledownsPen]

I do 21hrs a week Tues-Thurs. My kids are in nursery 7:30-5:00. I get about 1hr 45 mins with them before bedtime. It's not great but then they spend Fri-Mon all-day with me. Plus I have to work, I don't have the option to be a SAHM.

[brookstar]

Tamzo65

Why do you feel the need to be so judgemental about women who have successful careers ? Why are you assuming that the children of two career parents are unhappy? You sound so patronising

[Mumwantingtogetitright]

@brookstar

Tamzo65

Why do you feel the need to be so judgemental about women who have successful careers ? Why are you assuming that the children of two career parents are unhappy? You sound so patronising

I think she just sounds ignorant tbh of what life is actually like for most people. It's like she has bought into a particular view of how relationships and families work and she can't see beyond it.

[Frankola]

Millions of parents do exactly this.

I work FULL TIME 😮with kids...shock horror.

[Dreamylemon]

It's hard working with small children.

I did 7- 4.30 with an hour commute each way 3 days week when my children were younger. It was actually easier when they were in nursery than when they started school.

They were mega clingy babies/ toddlers but they benefited loads from nursery. I have kept my career and security and I'm so glad I did. There were times I wanted to give up ( non sleeping babies and stressful job) but I would be kicking myself if I had.

[ImaniMumsnet]

Hi all, we are closing this thread while we take a look behind the scenes.