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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how you juggle childcare and work?

134 replies

Stillgardening9 · 04/12/2024 10:21

will be returning to work next year following on from maternity leave. I am looking for a new job as current job isn’t suitable which is a struggle in itself. Struggling to think about how much of a job it will be to manage childcare and working full time - if I work 9-5 it will be hard going to pick up DC from nursery and then getting home and sorting tea etc. I am hoping to work from home - would it be unreasonable to assume I can look after a toddler whilst I work? Alternatively, I could work 4 days then I could still have an extra day where we can go to playgroup and do things but money is a big factor in this. Could I have your experiences?

OP posts:
GivingitToGod · 12/12/2024 10:37

Smorgs2014 · 07/12/2024 09:04

I job share with a woman who works from home with 2 kids under 4 - it's a nightmare - I am constantly having to work more than my hours to pick up the work she isn't getting done. I want to be supportive but honestly, please don't do this, it doesn't work it just causes stress for everyone and leaves small children bored and miserable.

WFH with 2 kids under 4??????? How can this ever be allowed?

Suzuki76 · 12/12/2024 17:49

kiraric · 11/12/2024 17:26

I assume that's because your childcare availability isn't good.

We honestly don't have huge issues - ours are primary aged. The school wraparound is great, there are plenty of holiday clubs that run 8-9 to 5-6pm, for the insets or Christmas holidays when there is nothing, we take leave

Show quote history

You assume correctly. Holidays clubs run until 4pm, breakfast club has been full since DS started reception and we can't both take leave at Christmas as not everyone works in a shutdown office so one of us ends up using a big chunk in December. This is why I now work 9.30-2.30.

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 09:31

TrippTover · 05/12/2024 19:07

I work term-time, I really can’t imagine our household working if I had to work in the school holidays. It’s like 13 weeks isn’t it? Well, I can imagine it but it does not sound calm or fun.

I work part time and a big proportion is evenings. DH works from home so no commute/can finish an hour early and so as I leave for work he stops work and starts looking after the kids.

After school club one night a week.

Nursery for DD

Several people juggle with working FT including school holidays and have to find a way, even if it means you have to source separate cc during school holidays. Your setup serves your family well, others have to make it work with what is available. Needs must

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 09:37

Justus6 · 05/12/2024 18:53

You cannot do a job and look after a toddler at the same time I tried you work suffers 100% and your stressed to the max. Def not worth it. It's better the child is in childcare.

Show quote history

This
WFH and caring for kids DOESN'T work
Simply not possible

TrippTover · 13/12/2024 09:38

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 09:31

Several people juggle with working FT including school holidays and have to find a way, even if it means you have to source separate cc during school holidays. Your setup serves your family well, others have to make it work with what is available. Needs must

Show quote history

Was this worth posting? I didn’t say anything that goes against what you said 😵‍💫

Also surely you mean several million?

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 10:31

TrippTover · 13/12/2024 09:38

Was this worth posting? I didn’t say anything that goes against what you said 😵‍💫

Also surely you mean several million?

Edited
Show quote history

I'm unsure why you felt the need to provide this sarcastic response?
And IMO, everyone's post is worthy of posting

TrippTover · 13/12/2024 12:03

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 10:31

I'm unsure why you felt the need to provide this sarcastic response?
And IMO, everyone's post is worthy of posting

Show quote history

There was no sarcasm in my post. I think you’re confused. Hope your day gets better! 💫

GivingitToGod · 13/12/2024 13:51

TrippTover · 13/12/2024 12:03

There was no sarcasm in my post. I think you’re confused. Hope your day gets better! 💫

Show quote history

Another sarcastic post

NewName24 · 13/12/2024 17:01

It seems you don't know what sarcasm is @GivingitToGod . Neither os @TrippTover 's posts were sarcastic.

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