Did I do the right thing?

[hallamoo]

Bit of background: I have 4 DC, 11y, 7y, 4y & 1y. I'm currently working 8 hours a week term time in a primary school. I applied for a job with the county council (locality team) which was advertised as full time. I'm not in a position to work full time at the moment so when they invited me to interview I asked about the possibility of job share, they said they would consider it but it was dependant on lots of other factors. I was offered the job yesterday (yay!) and they said they could possibly negotiate on hours. After discussions with my DH, I phoned them today and said that I could only offer 20-22 hours due to work/life balance & child care costs. They said they could come down to 33 hours. I didn't feel that I could take on that many hours and so I have turned it down. They were really nice about it and I think I would've really enjoyed the job and working in the team. They said I interviewed really well and would bear me in mind for any future opportunities.

So, I think I did the right thing, but now I feel flat! The thought of starting the whole process again for other jobs fills me with dread, I'm not great at selling myself and get really nervous at interviews - although this had given my confidence boost.

So, WWYD or WWYHD ( what would you have done)?

I would have done what you did :)

I started working again in December after 7 years at home. I've also got 4 dc (14, 12, 7 and 4) I work 20 hours a week and it is as much as I can manage. I think 33 hours would be incredibly hard, especially in school holidays as finding childcare for 4 dc with the range of ages you've got will be tricky.

Look on it as good interview experience. You got offered the job, that's fantastic :)

I think if you had really loved the idea of the job, you'd have taken it. It clearly wasn't quite right for you. And you've built up some interview experience and made some contacts. I'd send a nice thank you letter, saying that it's a shame we couldn't make it work this time and setting out again your best 'selling points'. You could add that if they find a role that is 20h per week you'd really love to work with them as you were impressed with their team and would like to be able to contribute to their continued success. If you are diligent about keeping in touch with contacts and keep searching then the right thing will come along.

Ah thanks, I know you're both right. Fab idea about the thank you letter, I have sent an email along those lines.

Thanks again.