Should I go back to work or not?

[lill72]

Hi all,
love to hear your thoughts...

I have been a SAHM to my almost 3 year old, doing the very occasional freelance work. My DH was out of work for 9 months which pushed us to the limit. He is now back at work and earning a decent salary contracting. I started looking for jobs and am waiting to hear back about one which sounds promising...

When I looked at what I would be getting per day, it barely seems worth it. It is a decent salary, but depending on childcare costs, best case scenario is £45 per day, worst case is £15. I would need a nursery and someone to pick up (is nanny/childminder)

I think my DH would like me to do it to get us back on track, but this seems like a waste of time. I don't know if he wants some backup as he is contracting, but I don't think that is it.

He is currently doing a 2 hour commmute each way, so all childcare would be left to me.

I feel guilty not wanting to do the job. I really want to change careers, so would be doing it purely for the money, but then there is not much to be made taking childcare into account.

has anyone been in a similar situation?

I think most people in that situation don't go back to work until the numbers make sense.
It would make sense, too, if you loved your job.
Maybe think constructively about what you could do with your time instead that would be productive. Retraining or voluntary work, perhaps.

I had 8 yrs as a SAHM, though, well, a bit of free lance, but mostly SAHM. And it was a devil getting back into regular work. So I don't recommend that you have a long break like I did.