Out of hours work or long commute?

[drivingmisspotty]

Hi there

I'm currently on mat leave but applying for other jobs when I return and torn between a couple of roles.

One is a customer facing role, based local to where I live but requiring quite a bit of evening and weekend work.

The other is a 9-5 but would have 1hr commute each way (poss could move a little closer but in London and would be priced out).

After your views re kids and actually ever getting to see them, really and your experiences. I have two dc and would prob put them with a childminder. Eldest will start school in September. I don't have much family support locally so DP would abd is able to pick up evenings but I know I will miss the kids!

Anyone have any experiences they can share?

TIA

I do this currently. I work in the east but live in the north. My commute is a 3hr drive on a sun down coming back late weds and working from home on a thurs. I thought when I went back to work after DS1, I'd only be doing it for 3months but ended up being a year and a half when DS2 came along.

I'm starting it all over again v shortly as mat leave is up though looking for a role closer to home now. Leaving on an evening is pretty shitty but Skype etc helps in the 3 evenings I'm away. DH willingness and support is the key. He drops off and picks up from nursery and still he only gets at most an hour and a half before bedtime. This is how I sell it to myself that I'm not missing out loads! I will miss them awfully but know that I need to work to provide so just have to man up and get on with it.

TBH, an hours commute each way isn't really v long. When I worked in
London, it seemed that was about the norm. I think 9-5 is the better option if you can stomach the commute. Good luck!

I'd go for regular hours over something which would change a lot, tbh. Then you can have a standing arrangement and everyone knows where they need to be when, rather than having to reorganise all the time.

I would go for 9-5 with 2 hours commuting. I want work to be work & home to be home. Juggling demands while at home between work & family is horrid ime.