To choose job over career?

[orangeyellowred]

I work in a cafe, 1 week day and every Sunday - meaning I don't have to pay childcare as DH works from home one day and doesn't work weekends. It means I only get 1 weekend day with my school age DS though.
I've been approached by someone from my career before I had my kids (dentistry) offering me 2 days a week. It's a foot in the door back to my career but I'm unsure.

It's 2 week days meaning I would have to pay 1 day childcare.
In April with the minimum pay rise it'll only be 10p more than what I would be on at the cafe.
The cafe is flexible, I can text at last minute and say the kids are unwell etc and can't make it and they are fine, that wouldn't work with new job as it would mean the surgery wouldn't be able to run unless they had cover.
But of course where I am now is" just a job" with no progression.
The new job would mean I got weekends back.

AIBU to turn the offer of the job down? I don't know what to do for the best.

Why is Dental nurse minimum wage?

Career every time.

Once your DC are old enough, you won't need childcare and can progress easily in your career.

I have always worked full-time, and only ever took maternity leave off, despite my then DP urging me to become a SAHM.

Lucky I did keep my career as 5 years down the line, we split up, and I've actually accelerated my career to the point I have bought my own house.

Maintaining a bit of financial independence can never be a bad thing OP.

Career. Stability and the potential to ramp up your hours is valuable. Plus it'll be easier going back if you retain your clinical skills than leaving it years. I don't know whether you're a dentist or a dental nurse but the training requirements might change. Don't leave yourself needing to start again in a few years. The money isn't really the main point at this stage. If you hate it you can always find another pub, shop or cafe.

Thanks all. Yes the dental nurse position is advertised at £10.50ph, which in April will be just above minimum wage. Whether he would up the wage in line with it to make it £11.50 for example I'm not sure. Partly why I left dental nursing was due to the ridiculously low pay.

I have 2 children, aged 15 months and 6 years.

@Everydayitsgettingcloser correct :-)

Being contentious here, but if dental nursing only pays minimum wage, then it's not really that different to a cafe job, except I suppose when DCs are older it might be marginally easier to fit around school.

Go career this is a great step back into it for you
Children grow fast and hours can be increased

As a dentist, there are recruitment issues with Dental nurses currently so I'd be asking for more money and also whether they will pay your GDC and indemnity.

Are you still on the GDC register as you would need to reenrol which can take time?

Is dental nursing actually a career job, as in - are there routes to progress and earn more? If not, I'd stick with the more flexible job.

@MillyMollyMardy is there really? It's definitely £10.50ph.
They will pay indemnity but not for me to register with the GDC. I think I have to do 50 hours CPD before I can be put back on the register.

I have no idea. It's one of the reasons I didn't go back after having DC. It's usually either minimum or £1-£2 max above minimum in my area.

@orangeyellowred have a look at Indeed for an idea of the rates for Dental nurses in your area. If they are going to pay just above minimum wage and not pay indemnity and GDC with your childcare costs it doesn't seem worthwhile.

It might be worth having a plan to get back on the register in the long term if you enjoyed the nursing as you'll be very employable.