to resent every minute I spend away from my child because I have to work?

[MrsSawdust]

I know lots of us are in the same boat. And I know I am luckier than some because so far I've managed to get away with working part time.

But I'm just feeling pissed off because tomorrow is the start of my working week and I HATE having to take my 18 month old dd to the (perfectly good) childminder where she will cry when I leave her because she'd rather stay with me. And frankly I'd rather stay with her. But I can't afford to not work.

That's it really. I just needed to get it off my chest.

I had to go back to work full time when DS was 6 months old. I consider my self very lucky as I still get to see him for at least 2.5 hrs a day. I now make sure these 2.5 hours count. I do no housework in this time (so yes my house is a bit of a tip but it can wait till he's in bed or the weekend. I truely believe I spend more quality time focusing on my DS than most of my SAHM friends spend on their DCs.

Quality not quantity.

YANBU. I hated every minute of working full time when my dd1 was between a year and just over two years old. Then - after all the effort I had put in to juggle work and my baby - I was made redundant last June... A week later found out I was pregnant again. No chance to get a new job with growing bump and in a way it was the best thing that happened to me. DD2 is now 5 weeks old and I am closer than ever to dd1 because she had that precious time with me at home the last few months (she lost her nursery place because it was tied to my job). Thinking with dread about having to find another job later this year because we cannot really afford me staying at home...

YANBU but...are you sure you can't afford not to work? that's not meant to sound patronising but do you mean, If I didn't work we couldn't make ends meet, or If I didn't work, our lifestyle would have to change?
They're two very different things. If you really don't want to work, you shouldn't have to. Mothering is, IMO, as important as any job you could be doing - and much more important to your child.

YANBU it sucks!

YANBU, I work 24 hrs a week, but I'm really really lucky that it is one 24hr shift per week.

yanbu. I work 3.5 days a week and am sitting hear crying as I can't bear to do it. I have a 50 mile round trip every day and hate being so far away from the dc's , they're only 3 & 1 and I would rather be with them more. I'm looking for a job closer to home which would make life easier.

I work in a nursery 25 hours a week and my daughter is with me the whole time. Have you ever thought about working in a job like that so you can be a full time mum and work at the same time. Best of both worlds then

YANBU

I have worked FT and PT since my DC, and, since our 1st nanny finished, I have struggled to get any reliable and appropriate childcare.

Although I enjoy my job, the childcare and other minor travails add to stress. On reflection, I wonder would I have been better taking a career break. There is so much pressure on Mums these days to be all things to all people.

OP, chin up.

mudandroses, i agree, there is a big difference & we cannot have it all... I did give up work, after much soul searching, & having no money sucks!
I am so glad i gave up work though, i love the time we have & it's not for ever...

Op, give it some more thought if your really unhappy, the money is just not worth it...

Thanks everyone for your kind replies. Unfortunately, if I didn't work we truly would not be able to make ends meet. There's no question of that.

Sunshine2009, I have considered becoming a childminder in order to work and keep my dd with me. But the job I do pays more and I would have to work much longer hours as a childminder to make up the shortfall. I also get great holidays (I am a teacher) so I do get to enjoy at least 12 weeks of the year looking after my dd full time. I will really feel the advantage of my job when she starts school herself, as my hours will be similar to hers and we will never have to worry about holiday childcare.

Ok, I'm talking myself into thinking that I'm really very lucky after all