Job interview. SAHM to part-time? Advice needed!

[ZubinB]

hello
Currently a SAHM (3.5yo doing her free 15 hours and 8yo at school)
I'm desperate to get back to work, part time, but only if it fits around the children - I have no family nearby and a fairly unreliable ex, their DD.
So, interview tomorrow for part time hours, which I understand two are flexible on - assuming 15-20 hours per week? Any ideas what I should negotiate in terms of the ideal weekly schedule? - I HAVE to do school drops and pick ups.
Any other tips? Should I mention the occasional remote working, say if children are sick?
What do you all do during school holidays?
Sorry to sound useless, just seems a huge leap from being free for my kids 24/7 to then just not being there for them as often.
I know millions do it, but still...
Any advice or tips HUGELY appreciated.

TYPO - what i mean is that the company I am interviewing at are flexible on what hours are worked and when (part time or full time)

Personally wouldn't tie yourself into a schedule at this stage, unless you think you're likely to be asked to agree there and then?
My ideal would be 9.30-2.30 4 days a week but suppose you'd need to cater for lunch break which may be mandatory half hour unpaid?
I'd ask if there are core hours they expect to be covered, if they offer remote working (wouldn't bring in the DC being sick sentence) and if you're successful you can suss out what others do in this situation. Some companies don't allow you to work whilst being responsible for dependents, but they may offer carers days.
School holidays are a tough one, is there potential to get a term time contract? The other other option you have is using holidays/ clubs but could be expensive or last resort... useless ex!

And good luck!!

It is a high leap, but there will always be a solution.

For instance, if they say they need you to be in at 08:30, for arguments sake, then you can juggle a bit and find breakfast club/child minder.

It may be a few hours after school, then you can find wrap around care.

But try not to give them all your child care issues during the interview, but focus on the role and how you are qualified.

Good luck

I was thinking along similar lines to those hours. Do you think Monday is a good day to work when you have young kids? I'm not sure about bank holidays at this place, can ask tomorrow - but don't want to look as though I'm unreliable!

Was thinking I could see about squeezing my hours into 2 days during any school holidays? Then just put the kids in 2 day camps... possibility maybe?
Thank you for the best wishes X

School holiday day care for under 5s (even if in year R) is really tricky round here. Worth bearing in mind.

If you take Monday as your non working day you should be able to accrue holidays for all Monday bank holidays so it may help you during school hols. I think Mondays a good day to have off, I have a Friday off but sometimes find it hard to switch off from work, Monday you've had the weekend to forget about it.

Good question to ask about change in days/number of hours over those day, as and when needed.

But like @ilovemydogandmrobama2 said, try not to turn the interview into how you'll manage childcare. Suss out how flexible they are and wait to see if you've been successful, it's at this point I would then say this is my request for working week schedule and during the hols I need to change to x.

I got the job! have negotiated 9:30-2:30 Mon-Thu on a trial basis. So happy! Thanks for all your help X

Congratulations 🎉 sounds great

Wow congratulations! They are literally my dream hours. What did the job advert say in relation to hours? Wondering if I’m not even considering jobs that I’d have the potential to ask for better hours for if that makes sense.

The ad just said the position was "full time/part time - hours negotiable for the right candidate" I am SO THRILLED X

Oh brilliant news well done you

Well done very happy for you !

@Bunnyvenom I do those hours too. I saw an advert for a full time job and called saying I could only do limited part time hours and would they consider me. They said yes.

@ZubinB many congrats!

Thank you - kindness from strangers is so lovely. XX

That’s brilliant. Well done you!

Congratulations!!

Ohhh congratulations.

Hope you enjoy your job