Finding fulfilment - at work or home?

[Birdspa]

I'm currently a SAHM with an (almost) 3 yr old and a 1 1/2 yr old. I love being with them but find that there are not that many people in a similar boat to me locally, so I do feel lonely for friends. Anyway, I applied for this job for a great company and have been offered it, but it's 5 days a week and the pay just covers nursery fees. I think my confidence and self-esteem needs this job, but the thought of putting the children into nursery 5 days a week fills me with dread. This would have been my ideal job 5 years ago! I would be able to do it confidently and would love it, I'm sure. But am I selling myself short for want of adult stimulation?! Any advice would be really appreciated.

have you asked at all if you could do say 4 days a week -that might make you feel better - i have done that succesfully

Personally I would go for it - you have had 3 years off and ideal jobs don't come along that often
if its not working out you could leave
re finanace - will your employer or your DHs offer childcare vouchers as that will make a bit of difference - and your DC1 will get 15 hours a week from I imagine september -and long term it could make a massive difference
also have you looked at childminders at as especially for the younger one a more home based setting might make you feel better? Can also be cheaper

I agree, if you have been offered a good job then I would take it. There maybe an opportunity to reduce hours, work flexibly at some stage. I took time off being a SAHM and then struggled to get back into the workplace. I have a job but it certainly isn't my ideal.

The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work out (but do go into it planning on a trial of 6 months).

If you are a SAHM can you not find local playgroups to meet other mums? My area is the opposite, most mums don't work so I feel different being a working mum.

I think, if you feel you might like to take this opportunity, you probably should. Like you said - 6 months trial is the perfect solution to test the water. Your DC are still quite young, and if you don't see yourself staying at home during school hours once they are at school age, it might be useful to find yourself with your feet under the table in a job where you can then take some flexibility with hours to accommodate school pickups, etc.

Personally, I struggled with meeting other mums, and found conversation to tied up with DC as a rule. Especially once DC both start talking, and you can't get that 'space' to have an adult conversation. I found myself trying to generate friendships with people with whom I had very little in common other than DC, and found that very unsatisfying.

Good luck!

too. Gah.

Could you ask for job share 2.5 days a week?