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Work

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Original poster

Is it worth me going back to work?

5 replies

bourneville · 22/02/2006 18:36

I'm a single mum, been a SAHM for all of dd's 2ys6mos. She is a fairly shy, not very confident little girl (always been very clingy) but has opened up quite a lot since we hang out with a nanny friend of mine & the children she cares for.
I am thinking of returning to work. First question, if I work for 16 hours or under, is it worth it financially and what benefits would I get? I think if i am to go back to work soon i'd like it to be 16 hours or under as I'd like to ease dd gently into childcare alternative to mummy. (and preferably a nursery i think, as she would be getting her free place anyway at 3yo and could continue at same place then.)

Here are my pros & cons, what do you all think?

Pros:
A bit more money (note the bit)
Would be good for dd (2.6) to have time away from me in a nursery setting with other children, carers etc.
Good for me, adult time, use my brain a bit. Would hope to get part time work where i used to work so i know i'd enjoy it.

Cons:
I have been looking forward to dd getting her free nursery place so i get a bit of a break in the mornings - so would miss out on that if i went back to work now.

wow is that the only con i can think of??? I think i am also trying to decide whether or not I believe dd would benefit from being full time with mummy for a bit longer (another year say), if i would be putting her into nursery before she's ready iykwim. Also worry about doing it and then bitterly regretting it, sitting at work just wishing i was with dd and feeling like i'd wasted that precious young time with dd - or resenting the fact that I'm not getting a break when she's at nursery for free! though 16 hours & under isn't much at all really is it?

Well... in that case my final question is, if I & dd are both ready for me to return to work, is it morally wrong of me not to? if i don't, does it mean i am sponging off the government and being a lazy cow? - would other ppl view it that way?

fwiw i really do know i deserve a break and feel quite panicky at the thought of sacrificing the small breaks i would get when dd is 3 - though i am aware that i am SUCH a lucky mother as i have only 1 very chilled out dd and friends & family nearby who do babysit now & then.

So, your opinions please & any experiences of your own that may help.

OP posts:

foxinsocks · 22/02/2006 18:38

I think you've got to not worry about how other people see you first of all.

Second, your con, you can take 5 mornings a week (or whatever) then if you do your part time hours over 2 or 3 days you will still get 2 or 3 mornings to yourself.

If you can get part time work and you will make money over and above the childcare then I would go for it, definitely.

foxinsocks · 22/02/2006 18:39

I meant dd can take 5 mornings a week at pre-school/nursery

Original poster

bourneville · 22/02/2006 18:43

ooh that's true, hadn't thought of that! I think I was thinking of working only half days, simply so that nursery would be more appropriate for dd (I don't think I or she would like her in nursery all day yet). But yes, only 3 mornings or something so I would have an extra 2 once she got her free place...
hm...

OP posts:

MerlinsBeard · 22/02/2006 19:15

Where i am they can go to playschool from 2.6. You have to pay tho per session (£4.50) and then u get the nursery vouchers from the term after their third birthday.

TinaK · 28/02/2006 10:35

Have you thought about working from home? I have four children and have done it all from part-time, that never seems to be part-time to fulltime with large guilt trips and stay at home with no money! Thought oit would get easier when they all went to school, but then there are the odd occasional days, illness and so on. So I took the bull by the horns and did something I've thopught about doing for years, and set up my own business from home. I joined a company called Mini-IQ as an independent associate. They are a new company selling really innovative toys books and gams for children - so the kids think its great. The start up cost is really low at £59 and they give you all the materials and support you need. I've made some fantastic new friends and feel more confident than I ever have before. The beauty of it is you can decide your own hours and take time off when you want. I'm not far from you - in Worcester. Drop me a line [email protected] if you are interested, we have no one in your area yet.:)

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