This is more of a ‘what would you do?’
I have worked extremely hard over the past 13 years, working in the care sector and spending 9 years in university. I have always wanted to teach my interest area in a further education college and my long term goal is to lecture in a university.
Last year I got a job working in a college teaching social care. I wasn’t on full time hours in the college, nor was I given a contract where I was paid for summer holidays. Due to this, I decided to remain working part-time in the social care setting as it fit around my teaching hours and I needed the security of a job to fall back on if my contract was not renewed. It was an extremely hectic year and I would estimate that I spent every term time weekend preparing PowerPoints, lesson plans etc. for the week ahead.
This year I am on a much better contract with full hours, paid holidays etc. My dilemma is this - I work 9-2.30 in the college and then 3.00-6.00 in the care setting which is located next to the college. I cover staff breaks so there isn’t much responsibility on my shoulders. While the part-time work is easy, convenient and enjoyable, I still spend a portion of my weekend time preparing classes for my teaching job and I feel overwhelmed. I do not get home until 7 each weekday evening.
If you were in my position, would you:
A. Continue to work both jobs as the extra money will be useful when DD goes to university in 3 years (I already have savings set aside for this), needs a car etc. I work a small number of hours so it equates to about €150 per week extra income.
B. Opt for a better work life balance and leave the part-time job. It would mean I am home from work at 3.00 each day and I will get to see DD more. If I have prep work to do I can spend an hour at home in the evening and have weekends to relax, spending time with DD and my partner who lives an hour and a half away.
For background, I am a single parent to a teenage daughter and I have savings so I would not struggle financially if I give up the part-time job. I am finding it so difficult to make a decision and it has been playing on my mind all day. My head is telling me to leave the part-time job but I really struggle with change and I hate the feeling of regret. I really need an outsiders perspective, if you don’t mind