What should I do?

[Giraffe888]

This isn’t really an AIBU but I really need opinions so posting for traffic!

I have got 2 children, 1 who is 4 and starts school in sept, and 1 who is 18 months.

I’m in a huge dilemma job wise.

option 1 -
stay in my current role. I work 3 weekdays (until 5.30) and 1 weekend day, I also work over Christmas (not Christmas Day or Boxing Day though). I take the children to childcare then my eldest is in after school club, both children then picked up by DH.

Disposable income approx £300 a month. I love my job and The people I work with and it’s only 2 miles from home.

Option 2 -
Return to my previous role. WFH 5 days a week 8-5pm. No weekends and Christmas off. (they won’t budge on the number of days). Manager happy for me to use my dinner hour to take/pick up my eldest from nursery/school so she wouldn’t need any childcare. Youngest would go to childminder 4 days (currently goes 3).

disposable income approx £550 a month. If they stopped WFH I’d have to find another job as the office is too far to commute everyday, however they’ve been WFH for 3 years with no sign of it stopping

what would you do? It’s driving me mad trying to work out what is for the best. I love my weekdays off with the children but I’d also like weekends off, especially when my eldest starts school in sept!

YABU - stay in current role option 1
YANBU - go to option 2

I forgot to say I currently drop my eldest at nursery and when she starts school I’ll be able to drop her off before I start work

option 1 as it's p/t, closer & you like the job/people

Option 2 if you need the cash and can get WFH in your contract
Option 1 if you're OK without it

Im currently looking for new work. I have what is on paper the perfect role for my circumstances, yet, I want greater job security. Which role works best for your needs?

2 might give you back a weekend day but the week looks really stressful. Would you be planning on working with your 4 Yr old at home from 3-5 ? And your youngest all day 1 day a week ?

What are the chances in progression or increasing hours at option 1? Even in the longer term

@smellyflowers they won’t put WFH in the contract

@PinkyBlossom this is what I can’t decide as both have pro’s and con’s for different reasons

@DDivaStar yes that’s correct. My old manager has said that they’re happy for the children to be there and most of the other staff are in the same position. I know my eldest will be fine for just under 2 hours as she’d still be in the same room as me etc, but I’m not sure about realistically wfh with a small toddler.

also the logistics of it would be stressful. I’d have to take my youngest to the childminders for 7.40, to be home and start work at 8. Then leave at 8.25 to take my eldest to school and back home to work again. Then the same at school pick up

@Lockdownmummy I’m an assistant manager. Progression would be if the store manager was to ever leave (possible in the long term but not short)

Wirking from home giving extra flexibility is one thing but this sounds totally impractical. You seem to be spreading yourself too thin and this won't be good for you, your work or your children.

Youngest would go to childminder 4 days (currently goes 3).

I wouldn't wfh with an 18 month old, even just one day a week, and even if me boss knew about it.

@DDivaStar this is my worry, I think I’ll be so stretched and stressed just from managing the logistics of it all.

Can anyone else offer any words of wisdom?

I would stay with 1 for now. It's enjoyable for you and has a set up that works for your family. It's not a lot of extra money for the second option, considering the extra hours you would be working and wfh with a toddler is impossible.

You left work (place) #2 for a reason... stick with #1 or look for something new.

I'm lost! You're a store manager working from home?!! Wfh with kids would be really hard/impossible. Mine are 8 and 10 and I still have to feed them something substantial the minute they walk in and then get dinner started. The only chance for peace is sticking them in front of a screen which is no good for their eyes/brain/concentration development!
Given you can't decide what's best for you, which would be best for the children? Being ignored by a stressy mum who's trying to work would not be great for them...

@zusje that’s a very good point! Thank you!

@Festivfrenzy that’s my current role, which isn’t wfh. My old role was sales which would be wfh

i have decided to stay with option 1. Thank you for the opinions everyone!