Having a bit of a wobble and just need a bit of reasurance that i am doing the right thing!

[spudnik1]

I am starting a new job next week after a year on mat leave, and I am wobbling about it all.

I liked my old job, really loved parts of it, but they were not nice when I was preggers and especially not nice when I requested part time when on mat leave, and if I am honest about it, if I hadn't had my lo I would have left by now.

Part time work within my field is like trying to find the golden fleece, I managed to find a new job in a school 32 hours a week 5 days term time only.

Its something new which I am nervous about especially as there is no-one to slowly learn from ( Last person in the role left at end of term, I did ask if I could shadow for a couple of days which I did do)

My lo is in nursery full time this week ( to settle in so if any probs I am still here) and I am missing him so much I just want to go and get him now (which I know is silly because he will be asleep now)

All that is going round my head is have I made the right decision I have taken a 10k pay cut, he is still in nursery full time (pick up at 3.45 instead of 5.30) but I do get the holidays, but it is a career change and one I may not like.

the cut in wage is a big question simply because my oh was made redundant whilst I was on mat leave he has found another job but it is a trainee role so at first the wage is very low (it does increase over 3 years ) but I really miss lo

my head is whirling with it all, but one thing that is standing out to me is I need to have a positive attitude about this new job or it will go pear shaped.

It is understandable to feel nervous but you really don't know how you will get on until you try it.

You will be working shorter hours and will get the school holidays off which will be a bonus when it's time to go to school.

Can you progress in this role? If so, I wouldn't worry about the £10k drop in salary.

If it's a disaster then you can always look for something else.

I found the settling in sessions DD had at nursery much harder than once I was back at work. For her settling in I was just hanging around at home worrying about how she was doing. Once i was actually in work it was much easier, I was busy working, she has a great time at nursery and we are both pleased to see each other at the end of the day.

Re progression, what's the role? If TA then you would have to train as a teacher to go anywhere with it.

I'm in much the same boat having left teaching for a support role in the NHS which is well below my earning capacity. It's not ideal, but given a choice between that and teaching FT (or at all in fact!) it'll do for now. I don't see this particular role as long term unless it presents some good career prospects.