have a job interview but unsure whether to return to work. Advice needed.

[chumble]

Hello

I have name changed so as to preserve my identity.

I have been a SAHM for several years after birth of first child. Prior to that I was a Social Care professional and worked in a stressful but well paid job.

DH has just hear that factory where he works will be downsizing over the next 12 months and his future employment is currently uncertain (he is well paid professional too hence my ability to be SAHM!)

My dilemma is this, I have a job interview for an admin job that fits well with school day. However if I were successful youngest child is still at home, and one at school. I feel torn. Should I stay at home for next 18 months and pass up possible job opportunity or do I interview and try really hard to secure job.

Were it not for DH uncertainty I would be waiting until DC2 goes to school. The next few months will be very uncertain as we try to secure employment for DH (this may mean relocation in UK or abroad!). I just do not know whether to return to work or not.....

I was in a similar situation at an interview almost two years ago, I was offered it but turned the job down as I just couldn't bear the thought of leaving my littlest one...

6 months later, dh's earnings went down (self-employed) and I really REALLY needed to get a job, applied for anything I could possibly get and I've only just been offered another job now. The hours are dreadful, including nights (paid allowance, not even minimum wage) and the pay's not great. I've GOT to do it for the money though, so I'm trying to stay positive.

I guess you need to weigh up how worried you are about money, with how much you don't want to go back to work.

Is the work part-time or full? If it is just school hours, that's pretty rare in my area, jobs are pretty rare here at the moment though!

I can't sleep worrying about being away at nights... but if I hadn't been offered this job our money worries would be horrendous.

Horrible decision to make, I feel for you.

Have you checked out a nursery/childcare for youngest?

Take the work. Times are too uncertain to pass up on the job security. Your youngest must be around 2.5 or so, and that's old enough to get a benefit out of nursery.

Go to the interview, try your best, and then make a decision if they offer it to you.

TBH, I'd be tempted to take it (am also job-hunting in advance of DD2 going to school in Sept, and there's not much out there).

Go for the interview. If you get it, go to work on a strictly 'day by day' basis (don't tell them that, of course, but tell yourself, to make it easier).

This is what I'm doing. I've managed three days so far.... and it has taken all my willpower not to turn the car around after I've dropped dd at nursery.

But I too need the money. If it all becomes just too unbearable, I shall simply jack it in and come up with another plan.

Good luck!!