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Original poster

Is it worth it - £200 for 8 days work

15 replies

fruitmedley · 05/01/2011 11:22

I haven't worked since birth of DS2, 2.5 years ago. Have now been offered a part-time job, 2 days a week at my old firm. After childcare and travel costs I will take home £200/month. I can't decide if this is worth it - it will also mean two very long days for the whole family (long commute), and its only a rolling month by month contract. We could do with the money but I'm not sure if the stress factor outweighs it. But I'd hate to turn down a good job. WWYD?

OP posts:
mollymax · 05/01/2011 11:38

Personally I would not.
It equates to fifty pounds a week for two stressful days.
Other people will say otherwise e.g child care will not cost for ever, but for me I would prefer to tighten our belts and be a sahm.

cornflower123 · 05/01/2011 14:31

At least you'll be making something. I think the key factor has to be whether this experience will be good for you in the long run. Will it enable you to take a step up the ladder in a year or so, and get a more secure contract? Maybe you could then get a better paid job somewhere nearer/better? Once you're out of some job markets, that's it basically. But if you could get a similar job in a couple of years.....maybe not the best time?

Original poster
fruitmedley · 05/01/2011 19:30

thanks for your replies. Logically I know its a lot of hassle for not a huge return but I think the positives might make it worthwhile - being there if other jobs come up, etc, and its a good company where I know the work and the people so its an easy way back into the job market. DH is not so keen as he sees only downsides for him (dropping off kids, days off for sickness, no dinner waiting for him!) but I think there are more pluses for me.

OP posts:
Lotkinsgonecurly · 05/01/2011 19:37

I gave up work when ds was born and have been a sahm until now dd is now 3 and will hit school in September so am looking. I work part time a few hours a week from home but nothing major.

I now want a part time proper job! 2 days a week would be ideal, I think take it. from the age of 3 you will get 15 hours of childcare which can be used in private nurseries. And it may be better with childcare vouchers than you'd previously thought.

Take it. I think long term it will be great for you. You'll effectively still have 5 days at home a week.

TrillianAstra · 05/01/2011 19:55

What cornflower said. Look at the long-term benefits to not being out of the job market, gaining skills and experience etc, as welas the short-term £200.

bluebump · 05/01/2011 20:00

This is about what I take home a month after i've paid my childcare for my 20 hour a week job. It hardly seems worth it but PT jobs are hard to come by here and i've managed to wangle mine to term time only too so I just think it will be worth it in the long run.

Honeydragon · 05/01/2011 20:11

Having just had to resign from my job - threads on here Grin, I'd say take it! in 6 months you will be able to get a nursery place much cheaper and have more take home Smile

TheMonster · 05/01/2011 20:13

I would do it.

JarethTheGoblinKing · 05/01/2011 20:15

I'd say take it.. there are a couple of threads going at the moment about how hard it is to find a part time job that fits in with your children. You might not gain much financially from it at the moment, but in a couple of years that may change drastically.

Don't forget that your DS2 will get funding the term after his 3rd birthday too, which should make quite a difference to your costs.

Also, have you looked into childcare vouchers (paying childcare out of your gross salary)? It make a surprisingly big difference.

CrispyTheCrisp · 05/01/2011 20:18

Could you do one day a week from home? Also agree on trying to use childcare vouchers. Are there any bonuses which might increase your take-home?

Obviously your old company want you back, so i would be tempted to speak to them, explain your reservations and see if they have any inventive solutions which might help both of you?

Original poster
fruitmedley · 05/01/2011 21:10

I've just reworked the numbers to include train fare increase and holiday clubs and take home profit becomes £140! Working at home one day would make a huge difference but unfortunately they have expressly said that can't be done.

Apparently there is a chance of a 3 day a week permanent contract but I have worked out that would give the same take home due to tax thresholds. Its so difficult - part of me really wants to do this but the other part says its just too hard! its a 1.5hour commute each way.

I think I will talk to them again tomorrow as Crispy says and see if there are any other options available.

OP posts:
JarethTheGoblinKing · 05/01/2011 21:12

fruitmedley - did you see my post about childcare vouchers and the childcare funding once your DS is over 3? It will make a substatial difference.

FortunateHamster · 05/01/2011 21:13

I will be working four days a week for about that amount come March (sigh!) as can't find cheaper childcare. I'm taking the view that in the long run it'll be worthwhile and even that £200 is essential to the family right now.

CrispyTheCrisp · 05/01/2011 21:18

Lift share with someone coming from your direction?

Original poster
fruitmedley · 05/01/2011 21:23

yes, thanks Jareth. I'll crunch those numbers too.

its a train commute unfortunately.

I'm starting to think that this might be an easy fix for the company to fill a gap whilst they recruit a permanent person who is cheaper.

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