Any mums of 3DC that returned to work? How did you do it?

[Mum8]

We are estimating our childcare costs if I returned to work and I will practically be bringing zero income due to childcare costs 😳
Are there any ladies of 3 DC that returned to work? How did you do it financially?
At present only 1 DC is at school, then 1 preschooler and a younger one...

I do 3 days a week - 1 in school, 1 who qualifies for the 30’free hours in january (whoop whoop ) and an 11 month old.

I don’t earn a massive amount after childcare and I’ve only just gone back after maternity leave so we’ll see. But I’m playing the long game - in 2 and a bit years it will be worth it and that’s 2 and a bit years more pension etc.

I appreciate I’m a bit grumpy this morning but shouldn’t this thread say ‘any larger families have Two working parents’ rather than the implied assumption that dad works and Mum sacrifices her career?

Sorry I know I know I just get so fed up

I've a 4, 3 and 2yr old.

I have an incredible nanny and a well paid work from home job. I usually stop working when my contractions start and only take 1-2 months off but that works great as work is very easy and peaceful for me compared to the kids😂 I see them every morning till 9am, at lunch and then again at 5pm to bed. Also a bit during the day if they need me or I'm downstairs making coffee etc. But my fantastic nanny loves the kids, is great with them and runs our house like an excellent housekeeper too so I feel very lucky. She's also now one of my best friends. I'm due #4 in a few weeks and she will help me make it work and get back to work asap.

I got lucky with being able to work self employed and from home as I made a good reputation for myself pre children which has kept me in work the last 5 yrs. That has afforded a nanny but then again I'm lucky with the particular nanny I have.

In the short term at least, 3 maternity leaves in 6 years have sacrificed my career!

I took time off when they were smaller and went back 3 days when youngest was 3.5, older two times school. Now do 4 days but flexibly so easier to do some shorter ones with drop-off or pickup. I have an aupair. Now on my own but even when ex was around at the start his long hours meant I was responsible for all pick ups and drop offs.
It was lovely to have the time off with them when smaller, though I appreciate how lucky I was to find a decent and flexible job to return to. I earn reasonable salary, albeit much less than pre kids

I’m the same as you christmoose except replace nanny with their dad.

I’ve never taken more than a week off work with my lot since I went s/e and now have 4.

So to explain my grumpiness, the answer to the thread is yes I managed it but only because their dad stayed at home as he didn’t earn much and didn’t enjoy working.
And I don’t think that answer addresses the real question which is really about two working parents.