Working whilst having extra needs children - is it possible?

[ReindeerBollocks]

Eldest DC has medical condition requiring extra care needs. Sometimes these are low maintenance and at other times it's really hard going.

Anyway, I have been studying for a while now and hope to be semi qualified in the summer. I have been at home for 2 + years (DCs dad was SAHD whilst also studying for 2 years before we 'switched' roles).

When DC is relatively well (as is currently the case) I would love to get back to work and feel lazy, despite the extra needs DC requires. Knowing I will be able to get a job in the summer which will support my current studies is spurring me on in wanting to look.

However, I am concerned that if I do get a job and DC deteriorates then I will have to give it up to care for DC. I was just looking for perspective and see what other SN parents do in terms of work. I don't think, given the profession I intend to go into, will be able to offer me flexible working, which would be ideal.

So its a WWYD? And any current experiences would be useful.

I adore my DC and it's not about putting my career ahead of the care needs, more of something to do in addition to the care needs.

Hi Peachy I chose mine cos it was only 7 miles up the road! Also luckily has a good rep and offered my course (only one of 9 across britain apparently) so I was able to live at home. Couldn't have done it otherwise. Still had house to run/ 5 kids inc the 2 boys etc. Did the degree on about 3 hrs sleep per night and often sat under blankets on my laptop at 3am with fingerless gloves on writing my assignments cos it was the only peace I got!!! Glad i did it though, no one can ever take it away.

There weren;t any in Somerset where we lived so moving was non negotiable; here though we get a lovely old cottage for the same price as our (both rented) ex council house on a main A road, and a better LEA, and decent MS school locally..... win win LOL.

Dh worked nights all through, so we juggled a lot, but it worked- would not recommend taking finals with a 5 week old or writing diss with a newborn on your lap though, ouch! that was hard and I normally like a challenge

But as you say nobody can take it away and for me it was about much more: teachers and exP calling me stupid etc. Was a major ambition achieved.

Exactly Peachy, except with me it was me mum calling me stupid!
My best friend also had her baby the day before we went back for 2nd yr! There she was between lectures sat in her car breast feeding until one day she realised she was giving some workmen up on some scaffold a right eyeful. He went on the bottle after that!!!

I went back to work part time, 3 days a week 9-5. I'm VERY lucky because my mum is retired and is very good when it comes to caring for DD. That aside, I do still struggle, even with my amazing mum, it's not easy. It's a difficult one!

How about something like an Access Leonie? though i'd love to see you do a degree or MA; you'd be far more than able for it.

The aplce to go to look for degree info is a website called UCAS. Get applications in early these days- the dyas when I could submit moine in march and get an RG group offer passed as soon as i;d finished my degree sadly.

Hi Leonie, yes Peachy's right try UCAS or even your local education dept at local auth. That's where I went.
I would enquire first though with UCAS n then if it's viable go to your ed dept for grant/loan forms. This is of course once you've chosen and been accepted on the course!

Thank you to everyone who has responded, it's been great reading what others can do, and have done, and made me realise that it is possible to return to work.

After talking it over I have decided to wait until September (so job hunting starts in summer). Two reasons: eldest DC health is improving but when he is ill he needs me. The care I provide is quite high level so if I were unable to do it, then he would need to be hospitalised so nurses could provide the care. Unfortunately we have looked into childminders who have medical training but the hospital will not support the transfer of care (like I said, it's complex medical stuff). Plus, I have a lot of doctors appointments/psych appts etc as part of his care (We have 6 appointments over the next two weeks). Not taking into account usual ordering/collecting of meds etc.

I do want to work though. As DC makes improvements, he needs me less and giving it until september will enable me to accurately assess how much time I need to dedicate to DC and what job I could do to fit in.

Thank you though, these responses have made me realise it is possible, just needs a lot of organisation on my part!

I run a website from home and help out in school every week for a session or two as all mine are at school now. Not really any money in it as I run the website for a charity for free but it keeps me busy.