Can you really work round the kids?

[Jageri]

I'm currently on maternity leave with DC2 and have just worked out childcare costs for when I return to work. To my horror I have realised I am going to be working full time in a stressful job with a long commute for the equivalent of about £2 an hour!

So, my question is - is it possible to work round the kids? I would only need to earn about £80-£100 a week with no childcare costs and we would be better off than me working full time (at least until DC1 goes to school in 2 years). DH works 9-5 so I could do evening/weekend work or something from home that I could fit round naps, etc.

Has anyone made this work? I am not opposed to hard work or menial jobs (as I did most of them as a student) or something self employed (Avon/Usbourne Books, etc) as long as it actually brings enough money in.

Or should I just suck it up as once both the kids are in school I will still have a well paid job in my chosen career? Help!

My advice would always be to keep up your career. Yes there will be a few years with heavy childcare costs but remember these are a shared cost with your partner, they don't just come out of your salary.

I had a similar dilemma when I went back after DD2 and chose to stay in my job on a PT basis. The childcare costs almost wiped out my salary but I decided to do it to 'keep my foot in the door' and its paid off. I took a promotion when DD2 was 3yo and went back to FT (compressed hrs, don't work Fridays) and I'm so glad I stayed although it can still be very stressful balancing everything. It has paid off both financially and in terms of my own career satisfaction. However I was lucky to work in a company which has lots of flexible working options.

I have friends who have left their jobs for the reasons you mention and they have done things like the books, jewellery parties etc Some work some hours in supermarkets to do as you say earn enough money to cover them. They've found it works to varying degrees but we're all mostly at the point were our DC 's are going to school so everyone seems to be looking at how they can make the leap back into a career, some are finding it easier than others.

Not sure if I've given you any answers there but I think that it is possible to find work to fit around your children, there are options out there. However, I would be thinking about your long term options too.

I agree with numberlock. I went back to work full time when DD was 10 months old (she's 2 now.) Yes, nursery costs are a large part of our outgoings but for me, it's not the money that matters tbh, I love my job and I guess, like lots of us, I'm paying out now but I can keep my career. Also, not sure of your plans but have you costed your nearest 'surestart' nurseries as they are considerably cheaper than private and, in our experience, just as good. One more thing- think about how your week would be if DH works 9-5 in the week and then you work weekends. Might it be difficult to do things as a family? It is sooooo tricky getting this right isn't?! And we've just the one! Perhaps think first about what you WANT to do and then consider the financial implications? Best of luck with whatever you decide Jageri!

It's difficult when your children are very small and you can't always see the bigger picture.

My boys are now 17, 17 and 14 so I have the benefit of hindsight and know it can be done. Yes it was financially difficult with 3 in child care when they were all pre-school but I'm so glad I maintained my professional and financial independence.

From my own experience I would say don't junk your career. I have seen several friends struggle to get back into the job market and there are loads of people chasing the school hours jobs. The party selling things mean you have to work evenings and weekends which is not ideal and I think you have to put in a lot of effort to make them pay.

I carried on working full time but managed to get a two day a week working from home arrangement which has worked for 14 years now...

In the earlier years I paid a bit extra for a flexible childminder who basically kept places open for my two even if they weren't coming that particular day, as in order not to have too much impact on everyone else at work I needed not to be a pain on the rota and say I would only do specific days in the office. My work is such that some of it is necessary to be present for, and some of it I can do from home. The childminder was also great as she would cheerfully keep them past 6pm if the trains were playing silly buggers, or have them when they were off colour (even if they were at school) and it gave a great flexibility that I don't feel a nursery would offer.

Once they were properly at school and things were on a fairly even keel I managed to get a promotion but I would say that I don't want to get further up the career ladder - I am as far as I feel I can sanely keep up with - it IS difficult keeping a work/life balance sometimes, especially when they are ill. But I am happy and feel lucky that I have kept a career I fought hard for, and that the DSs are happy. They are 13 and 11 now and go to after school club which is a helluva lot cheaper than the early days of full days at the childminder!

Absolutely agree with the advice on here. I would stick with your career rather than give it up- even if doing some part time menial work or something like Avon or usborne books would give you more cash in the short term, it's no comparison to retaining your position in your career.

You have retained your career through having your first child, and you've hit the point many of us do where you have number 2 and suddenly you're paying out all your income in childcare. But to jack in your career now would feel a bit like dropping out when the finish line is in sight. You've proved you can combine your career with being
A mum, you've retained it through parenthood first time round and really it won't be too long until you get your 15 hours free care for dc1 and then they will start school and the costs
Will drop again.

I've no doubt there are people who have taken on evening jobs and in the short term made it work financially, but looking at the bigger picture you are far better off remaining in a career which is fulfilling and offers you progression

£2/hour doesn't sound that bad. It's what I'm expecting now, until DD goes to high school, probably. I was working for £10/month at one point (plus pension).

Don't just calculate child care costs from your salary, unless you're a lone parent. They're a joint outgoing!

Agree with everyone else. If you've built a career, and especially if it's one you've enjoyed, then you have to take a longer term view. Yes, you are poor financially (and tired!) for 2 - 3 years while you are paying for FT childcare from your salaries but try doing a search on MN alone for all the threads about the difficulties of getting back into work, from those who gave it all up when their dcs were little. Fine, if that's a choice you really want to make for all kinds of reasons, but not a good idea if you are looking at it from a financial point of view.

If you do want a job in school hours then try hotels as they check guests out at 10.am and in at 2 they have many jobs during the turn around, Cleaner, Checkin staff, health and safety coordinators.