My Interview was a success, job sounds fab but I don't think I can aceept the position.

[sparkler1]

\link{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=1375&threadid=181680&stamp=060612221041\igotthejob}

When applied and went for the interview I knew it would be 12 - 15 hours a week but didn't know the exact days and times. At interview they told me the hours they wanted and it seems they are going to be very difficult to fit around my kids.

I think I'm going to have to turn it down.

What a bummer sparkler. :( What kind of hours are they asking for?
Maybe they've got something else for you (trying to be hopeful here).
:(

I think you should tell them your problem politely and professionally and suggest an alternative schedule

or two schedules so they can choose

try that before just turning it down - they might be flexible... worth a try and then at least you part on better terms

They've offered me the days that dd2 isn't at preschool - I may be able to swap the days for the last few weeks until the summer hols, but then I have the school hols to work round. DD2 starts school September and will only be doing mornings to start with.
My mum has offered to help out but she isn't in great health and my step dad isn't well either. I can't depend on them.

Could you get a childminder? It might wipe out your earning to start with but once dd is at school full-time you won't have the expenses but still have the job IYSWIM.

Nothing against childminders, honest, but that's not an option that dh I would want to use. Would rather use family but, unfortunately, health issues are a big problem here.
I know I must sound difficult here. I just want to work when my kids are at school and still be around to do all the stuff with them like I have been for the last seven years.

It's not is it - If I can struggle through until October - after the school half term holiday - dd2 will be full time.

If the job is something you really want then it's a case of short term inconvenience for long term gain (though you will still have subsequent school holidays to deal with). Good luck whatever you decide

aaaaaaaaaarrrrrghh I don't know what to do!! I keep changing my mind!

I think go for it....like you say its not that long to cope really till october...specially as this year seems to be flying by as it is (well for ma at least!!)

talk to them...they may surprise you in the flexibility anyway especially if you say it is only for 4 and a bit months!

go on...you know you want to....[encouraging emoticon needed]

12-15 hours with a childminder is not a lot, especially as it would only be until September and then fewer hours and then presumably by half term not at all.

You may as well take it and see if it works out. But I would politely ask them if you could do the days your daughter is already in preschool, pointing out you are happy to change back come the school holidays.

Go oooooooooooooooooooon (tis Flame, not Psycho). Think of all the really private questions you can ask people, then look at them all knowing, when you know that you really didn't need to ask them at all

Sparkler, you can always give it a go and if it doesn't work out with the childcare then hand your notice in or switch to working on the bank. Once you get in there, there might be scope for changing your hours around. You might regret it later if you turn it down now. Jobs on these hours are very few and far between (I know as I keep looking!). And if you're ever stuck and I'm around I'll happily help out.

You know I never thought how things would be at this stage. I knew I would give up work when I had children and be a full time mum. I always said I would go back to work when they were in full time education. Never really thought any further than that. School holidays etc never even came to mind at the time. Stupid eh?

Have a chat with them and tell them you really want the job, but the hours are a pain as you have to fit around your kids.

They probably won't want to re-advertise and interview and you might be lucky and they can sort something out, or give you a trial.

Have decided I'm going to take the job. Been sat here changing my mind so much, even ended up getting so wound up I was in tears. Emotional wreck.

Oh bless! You're going to be great at the job Sparkler.

Yay from both of us!!!

well done sparkler. :) It might be a bit of a pain now but come October I'm sure you'll be pleased you put up with the childcare aspect for a short while.
And 12 hours per week really isn't a lot.
It sounds like a fab job.:)

Ah thanks everyone - you've been luuuuverly to me!

That's great news.

thankyou