I’ve been working in a term time only role doing 32 hours a week for the last few years (I know I’m really lucky to have a job like this). The job is quite demanding mainly due to management and this creates a chaotic environment. Decisions that should be simple, are often changed last minute. I applied for another job (which turns out to be all year round) and more hours a week. I’ve had a call to call the manager back (I did the interview earlier this week and it’s a one stage interview though not been offered yet) but I’m unsure whether to take it if offered. I did state on my CV the gap in my employment was down to caring responsibilities but my children weren’t discussed at interview. And we didn’t talk a lot about managing remote working.
Two of my kids have special needs - the 12 year old spends all day hanging out in her room in the holidays, the 9 year old isn’t interested in being near anyone (she has complex needs) and spends a lot of her day playing or on her iPad on her own. The job sounds interesting - money would be a little bit more than my current role but isn’t a huge factor in the decision. Husband earns way more than I do so is the main breadwinner so kids care tends to be my domain especially as I was their carer for many years. New job would be remote with occasional travel but more development opportunities. My main concern would be more hours and whether it would be insane to take something that requires working through the holidays (I know a lot of parents do but we have little in the way of options for childcare for my youngest though my MIL has said she could help occasionally).
I don’t usually go out with the kids unless we go on holidays but with the potential offer on the table I’m really undecided and don’t know if I’d end up stressing myself out. The job is within higher education so I don’t know how busy the holidays would be but have worked during the holidays before. If my kids didn’t have special needs it wouldn’t be as much of a consideration. My main worry really is whether losing the holidays would cause me additional stress.