Working....

[mumof2andabit]

Have just started a part time (16 hours) job. The people are great, I like what I'm doing, it's exhausting but I have 2 kids and I'm pregnant what isnt exhauting. However have just sat down this morning and realised that I get paid about £100 a week but am spending the bst part of £50 on petrol to get there every week. Is this complete madness as dh works full time I dont need to work and we would probably be better off (tax credits etc) if I weren't working. That doesnt bother me but it seems like I am paying to work if that makes any sense? Opinions please?

Depends whether you enjoy it and whether it'll make a difference to your long term prospects not to have huge breaks in your CV.

For about 5 years I was working pt as a lawyer and by the time I'd paid for travel, nanny, cleaner, ironing lady and gardener I cleared £16 a week.

It was worth my while to do that though, as I've never been out of work (apart from mat leave) and if I'd had say 5 years out I would have found it very hard to get a job as family law changes quite quickly.

Just as mumblechum says - depends upon whether you enjoy it and/or it will further your career.

I've just gone into a job which will let me make some money after a while part time and I think it was worth it. (Couldn't have easily got another job in what I do if I'd taken a long break though.)

hi mumof2... btw

Def. agree with the whole 'does it make you happy and does it make sense longer term'

I know for me, it makes more sense for me to stay home. Which makes me sad, but it's true.

If there are long term benefits to you working for next to no money now, it may well be worth it.

I wish my job were more exciting now! I only work in the clothing department of a supermarket so not exactly a career move. It was really more a means to an end as DH wasn't working. As he is now and I am getting soo tired with this pregnancy I'm really begining to not want to go in. For instance got back from toddler group today and have half an hour before I have to go. 21 minutes now
slaps wrist for being on mumsnet

Then why bother? Surely that kind of job can also be got later on after a break of a few years?

if it makes you feel fulfilled go for it. It's an investment in your future.

I always feel sad when people say 'after I'd paid for the nanny and cleaner I only had x', because it shouldn't be the woman who has to pay for those things, as if it were only her responsibility! No, your salary should be paying HALF of those things!

If you are enjoying it I would carry on: you'll have to go on mat leave soon enough..