Self employed vs a full time job I'd resent?

[paloma2012]

Hello - just wondering if anyone has had a similar issue to resolve:

I am running a small company that is in its early stages and even though I do not yet make stable income with it, I am doing everything to advance with my work. Our toddler is with a nanny while I am in the office - a lovely lady but costs a fortune and we simply can not afford to continue spending so much on this set up. Therefore I am under an enormous pressure to "wake up" and get a "real" job, the one that pays, like all responsible parents probably do.. I (passionately) resent my old job I used to do before I set up my company, but it did pay me a nice salary. The old job meant constant travel, demanding client meetings and mega pressure to bring money/clients - I hardly see how I could go back to this now that I am a Mom. Ridiculously, I love my current job that does not pay me at all for now. We do need money. And I hate to think I will miss out on my toddler's very special years if I go back to my old type of work... At the same time, I reason myself that I need to be responsible and put my child's needs and financial stability first..

I would like to know if there is anyone here with a similar experience and what direction you have chosen to take in your own situation?

do you need to be in the office?
could you switch to a childminder or nursery - cheaper
can your DH cover some hours

I never went back to work full time after having kids

Don't give up! Keep going it will come right in the end but you need to look at your costs....as Talkinpeace said do you need to be in an office can you work from home. Being self employed is about giving yourself the options you dont have working for someone else. Would love to know more about your business. I mentor start up companies as part of a government scheme so happy to help if I can.

I think if your company isn't making any money yet then a nanny is a huge luxury tbh. I think most people just starting up would work around children especially if theres just one child.

I've freelanced for around 7 years. Today I accepted a full-time job.

It's a tough world for freelancers at the moment. I managed to fight it off for a while, but eventually, the stress of not knowing if you'll get paid enough/on time, not getting much notice of impending doom and wondering if you'll find new clients got to me. I loved being at home, and running my own life, and it suited my many hospital appointments wonderfully. It's a life of uncertainty, though, and its feast-or-famine.

I've found a job that I'll enjoy, one day, I think. I'm incredibly nervous. I'll miss being at home, I'll have to completely change my sleeping habits, and I'll get much less time with my OH and reptiles, but I think the peace of mind will be worth it.

It's a direct choice between either living minimally and cutting down every expense (so certainly the office and nanny) or working in a full-time, stable job that isn't as beneficial but that does, literally, pay the bills without you needing to worry.

Any chance of you finding a full-time job you don't hate as much as your last?

Talkinpeace - I agree with you that working from home would have been great, and tried to do it when I just started. I soon realized that I was missing clients calls as I could only answer them or make any calls when my baby was asleep. We live in a flat so finding an office was one thing that actually brought efficiency and structure to my work. Husband is not going to cover any time unfortunately, I have to rely on myself.

DatingFairyGodmother - thank you for you interest in my company! I would love to tell you more. Is there any chance I could send you an email? I'm new to mumsnet and have not figured this out yet?

CajaDeLaMemoria - good luck with your new job and thanks for being so honest about your experience. I'm sure you will be successful in your new role and you are doing just great for your family!

Thanks :)

You can message DatingFairy by clicking 'message poster' to the right of her name on the website. No idea if it works on the app.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. It's so tough.