Going back to work

[Whyemseeaye]

I'm just looking for some thoughts/advice really.

I've been a SAHM for 5 years.

Eldest is in Reception.

Youngest in Preschool doing three days 9-2:30 and one day 9-1. They will start Reception in 2024.

I'd like to go back to work but can't see how I can make it work.

DH has a "big job" which pays a lot and he travels twice a month for.

Can any one give advice on what they've done and what's worked for them in similar circumstances to mine?

TIA

In similar circumstances I’ve known friends take up volunteering roles for around a year before going back into the workforce. It helped them to figure out what works for them, hours/days/general flexibility requirements in a fairly low pressure environment.

Eg. I know someone who did voluntarily work with a special school who then turned this into a paid part time role for the next academic year. She was trained as a teacher already but think she’s had about 10 years out of the workforce.

I have another friend who works in tec who did some freelance work to again get used to it all again before moving back into being employed.

That's really helpful, thanks.

I've been at home so long I can't begin to imagine how the logistics will work. Makes it feel quite overwhelming!

When I was little, mother worked part time in a school office (hard to come by!). She did 9-1 every day, and got school holidays off.

Sometimes overthinking logistics makes things seem much harder than they are! I was so stressed about finding a nursery close to the train station for work, we turned down some really lovely houses and areas because I was obsessed with how long nursery drop would take with childcare. Only, the nursery ended up being really really shit and we had to put her in a nursery that was an HOUR round trip in the other direction! And we just got on with it, and made it work and its our new normal.

I think you should start by having a think about what sort of work you would like to do, and how flexible those roles can be. As Pp said, volunteering can be a great way to dip your toe back in the pool!

Well, full time nursery and before/after school care will cover childcare.

DH works away loads, since the DDs were tiny - that shouldn't factor into it, especially during the week when you have a set routine.

Working from home a couple of days a week helps, if you can find that flexibility

@Seasonofthewitch83 that's so typical 😂

I'm glad you managed to work it out!

I'm thinking some p/t office work. 20 hours p/w max. It's just the thought of the holidays tbh.

Not sure what I'll do with DC but I'm sure it will work itself out as you say