Hi, am a regular poster in AIBU, so I know better than to post this there!
I am just finishing up my MA, and at the end of this month, will start a fantastic job as a result of that MA. I am really pleased to have found a position in this job market, and it really is a great opportunity. It will also help my family so much, since being a full time student has obviously left us pretty low on cash.
So...all good. BUT. DS is 4 and starting reception in Sept. DD will be 3 in Sept. I was home with them until he was 2 and she was 1, then I did 9 months of work experience before my degree programme started, and he and my DD went to my sil, who is a childminder. Worked out really well, and because it wasn't permanent, I didn't feel too bad about it.
When I go back to work, my hours will be long, so DS will not only be starting Reception, but he'll have to be in before/after school club as well. DD will attend nursery at the same school, also doing before/after school. My job is term time only, which is so great, but I am feeling absolutely wracked with guilt that I will be leaving them at school so long, when it's their first school experience, iyswim.
DH feels bad, too...but his hours are the same as mine, so can't really do anything to change things. SIL is 30 minutes away; convenient when I was doing work experience and at uni, but not now.
I know this job will be great for us all, but I didn't expect to feel so guilty about it...some of my guilt stems from really wanting to go back into the workforce...I am a social person, and being at home with two small children was a bit difficult for me.
I just need a little reassurance, please...thanks for reading, I know it was a bit long winded!