A year off work?

[Travelfairy]

I have been off work for a year. I have 2 dc, one with additional needs. DH works away about 50% of the time. By 'away' i don't mean within UK, I mean US, Asia etc
I have really enjoyed being off this past year. I feel the children have benefited. Work have given me the option of extending by a year (after I asked them).
Financially we can probably manage it and I am going to be childminding a few hours a week which will be some pocket money.
Would you take the year off?
I am sort of at a crossroads in my career, I dont know whether to retrain as something else or when I return to my current job to go for any promotions available etc (I previously didnt as I didnt want more responsibility as I like to travel with my DH as often as possible. I am in my current job 9 years.
Should I take the year out?
YABU -no
Yanbu -yes

Not this particular work pension. Its taken at source from my salary. There isn't the facility to pay into it but its fine as we have other pensions and investments for retirement. This is only a small additional one linked to this part time job.

I love my job but spending time with my young child is more important to me now so I'd personally say go for it.

Everyone is replaceable in every role i suppose but the terms are that the job will be kept for me and this is legally enforced under employment law.

I agree but its only temporary leave of absence. I dont need to rely on my DH for money. We have always regarded all income as combined income even years ago when I came into a bit of money it was our money not mine type thing and vice versa.

But when you say ‘we’ do you mean it’s all his? Marriage does protect you to an extent but having your own pensions and investments is a good idea if you don’t already have it set up like that.

38k on holidays??! Only on MN.

What does your husband think?

We have joint investments and also some separate individual savings

I know, we are very blessed to be able to do this. Education and travelling is what we spend our money on. We dont gave expensive hobbies, drink or smoke so bonuses, share draw downs etc fo on travelling mainly.

He is all for the extra year off as it has taken huge pressure off him this past year in terms of childcare, life admin etc

Go for it!

Thank you 😊

I took 5 years off work to raise my children. At the time DH said we are lucky that we can raise our own children.

I thought at the time how sad that woman now have to make that choice, or don’t have the choice to be there in their infancy.

Do what makes you happy.

If you can afford it then totally go for it! I would have lived being at home when my kiddos were little. You mention you have pensions/ security for later life, I urge you to make sure this is personal and not linked to your husband. Save and protect yourself for any future eventuality , despite your current ‘shared money’ arrangement x

Thank you and yes good advice. Don't worry I have my separate 'running away money' 🤫

Actually no, but I did a second degree while I was off and got a job with my new qualification. After studying for several years the transition back into work really hasn't been that bad - it was certainly a lot easier than I was expecting anyway.