To continue at work or stay at home?

[Kiwiburgh]

Hey guys, it's been a while since I've posted on here. Not sure what I even want from this, just a rant maybe 🤔

So I've been at my job 12 years. In this time I've had 3 children. Currently 4y 2y and 7m

I've never had any issues but lately after new management taking over I'm ready to quit as it's becoming toxic and I'm being challenged over things that they legally can't do. I just dont know if I should stay at home with the kids or find a new job.

I love to work part time, makes me feel more human and it's actually quite an enjoyable break from 3 kids 😂
The issues are that it's currently hard to find a part time job in my career. Few jobs and lots of competition.
I have three young kids so the sick leave i use is for them. I worry 10 days a year sick leave just isn't enough to cover 3 kids getting sick.
I also have mum guilt kicking in, do I just stay at home for the next 2 years and enjoy spending precious time with my little ones while they are still littl. I then worry if i will actually be able to return to work with a 2 year gap in my working history?
Do I just suck it up for a year and work 4 or 5 days a week shift work to gain more experience so I can then hopefully work in the community with a better work life balance?

Im not expecting anyone to fix this for me , i just need to express it but advice or anyone in similar situations would be great. 🙈

Been there, 3 under 6. Now teens. My advice is dont stop, very hard to start again and your career will take a massive hit. Look for a new job. Good luck x

It's important to leave a toxic workplace for your own wellbeing. I was stuck in an awful workplace and jumped at the chance to leave and be a sahm. For me it has been wonderful to have that time to focus on the dcs (and also o myself, when they got older). But I've had no pressing need to get back to employment and have developed other income streams. I wouldn't be too anxious about being able to get back into work later, you need to focus on what is right for your family now. A break of 2 years is just an extended mat leave really, and people retrain all the time.

If your work is toxic, I'd look for another job. Apply for full time roles and then if you get the job request part time and only accept the role if they agree to part time hours. I've known several people negotiate less than full time once they've been offered the job, so don't feel you only have to apply to roles advertised as part time.

Re your sick leave - does your DP also take sick leave when the kids get sick so you can alternate it? Do you have a DP?