Considering returning full-time - tell me what to do

[fatlip]

I'm considering a full time job that I have been offered. Dd1 is nearly 5 and starts school in sept and ds1 is 2.

I haven't worked since ds was born apart from the odd bit of freelance.

The job is double dh's salary and from home 4 days a week. I'm trying to negotiate that I have slightly reduced hours so can finish at 3 on 2 or 3 days a week.

What do I need to consider? Ds already goes to a childminder half day a week so he could go there. I was then considering maybe a mother's help after school to look after both of them if I still have work or do chores for me so I can spend time with kids.

I didn't want to go back full time but we are more skint than we thought we'd be and it's a great chance to get job with little commuting.
Tell me what to do

Jel

You'd still get to see plenty of your DCs and there's no time wasted commuting. In this economic climate, I'd grab it with both hands.
But you're the one who has to make t work. What is your hesitation?

My hesitation is leaving ds. He's such a joy at the moment I fear I would miss out terribly. Even if I did finish early he would get no time with me by himself. I only wanted 2 or 3 days a week ideally but this seems too good to turn down.

Also dh also works long hours and I worry it would be too much.

You could make time for him at bedtime, in the mornings, at weekends. I work f/t and manage time alone with my baby. I would like a bit less time at work and more time with her because I adore her and relish every moment but everyone is basically fine.

OP, sounds like ideal job. As Kathyjelly said, I would grab it with both hands. Out of the question, but in which industry do you find such jobs?

I'm a creative type. I think I'm going to go for it, though they have tried to arrange an early meeting at short notice and I can't get childcare so I'm not sure if this is some kind of trick question.

Any chance you can split your day, and have a chunk of DS time in the middle?

I'm also creative, and I work when Dd is in school and then later on when she's gone to bed.

It seems to work ok ish at the mo... though I will have to do more client focused stuff this year when she's in school to pull some more sales in also.

It does sound ideal....

The crux though is what you actually earn - will it cover childcare etc. You say 'souble your DP' but is that significant?

Yes it would make a significant difference to our monthly income. I never wanted to work full time but our finances aren't what we thought they would be so I think i am just going to have to bite the bullet.