What is worst for my kids - my working full time or coping with money troubles?

[boomummy]

Help! DH was made redundant before Christmas, virtually no suitable jobs around and no replies at all to applications made so far.
I've been working 2 days a week since my second child was born.
Love my job, always hoped to increase hours when both were in school, but DS is only just 2 and DD 4, starts school in September.
Because of money worries I asked my employer for more work, hoping for an extra day, but he said no chance. There is, though, chance of a full time post.
I am totally torn. Need money now, but not sure I can bear to leave my babies for that long.
Plus, by tying my husband up with childcare, am I stopping him from finding work long term, or leading myself down an avenue where I have to quit later on because he finds work and I can't reduce my hours again?

I work fulltime (type of job it is difficult to do part-time). I would say that providing you are absolutely 100% comfortable with your childcare you should without a doubt try and clear your money worries. I fully appreciate your concerns re working fulltime, but it can work very well (it certainly does for me

You also need to think about your relationship with your DH

because how will being in financial trouble affect your relationship with him, which could then impact on your children. Would you be better off earning and therefore not arguing about money, or getting under each others feet at home

or would he feel emasculated if you are the main earner and he is the stay at home dad?

My DP was made redundant soon after I found out I was pregnant with DS2,
it was amazingly difficult as he was out of work for nearly a year, with just my part-time maternity pay keeping us going
but is back in work now, albeit in a much lower paid position,
for us living off a very small income was hard but because we were in agreement about how we would tighten our belts it worked out ok.

There are so many levels to this and everyone will have a different opinion - what is worse for you? Not being with them all day or relying on little money/benefits?

I work full time - they are absolutely fine and happy. It's me who misses them really not the other way around (all have gone to nursery full time at 6 months). Your DS is two, an age where they can interact more, start to talk, play with others etc. He is not a tiny baby.

What were your plans for when they were both in school?

I'd take the job.
No question.

Thanks all.

Take the job, get on your feet financially and reduce your hours in the future if possible and appropriate.

I would take the job - it will be hard to be away but at least DH will be looking after them for now -and stress from money worries its really really not good

• I would keep the child care you have now through so your DH has time to do job searchs, and for his sanity - and its easier to build up from existing child care if need be -

I've always worked full time and my DS is very happy. I've cut down now because I can afford to but I think financial security is critical for families. It may take a while for your DH to find another job and at least you know you can pay the bills for now. Once he gets something, then you can decide what to do.

Take the job. Why is it presumed working full time is bad for your kids?!?

Huh? Your DH has been made redundant, you have two children, and you have the chance of a full time job.

Take the job. Your family needs the money. And it shouldn't hurt your DCs or your DH one bit, whereas struggling financially may well.