Should I return after 5 years?

[HandmaidsFail]

I've been away from the workplace since my DS was born. He starts school in September and we have a DD who is 2.

I'm in the final round for a job almost identical to the one I had 5 years ago, the salary is great and jobs like this rarely come up close to where we live.

My DH's salary is enough for us to live on. The only reasons I would take this job are 1. The longer I leave it, the harder it will be to return to work when the DC need me less, 2. I miss using my brain and feeling useful; I miss having a trail of thought that isn't interrupted before it has begun with a shout of "mummy!"

But I feel what is best for the DC is for me to be present while the eldest starts school and that I should make the most of the lovely early years before my DD starts school in two years, I'm so lucky to be able to stay home with them.

I'm torn. I can feel my career getting further and further out of reach. I never thought I'd be off this long but the thought of not being the DC's primary carer makes me never want to return. Thank you for reading this far! And advice please?

I'd take it. Worst case you can always leave if you hate it. But you can't always find a great opportunity/ good luck!

Completely agree with snackarella. I think I would take it too.

Thanks ladies.

Thanks Red,

Did your partner work full time too? My DH works long hours, travels a lot and if I get/take this, it's a big job too.

I'm worried about 2 big careers in one household!

I think the general advice on MN is to buy in as much help as you need/can afford (i.e. cleaning, ironing, gardening, diy, online shopping). It will give you more time and make you feel less resentful if you have a clueless DH.

Haha! He's not clueless, he's just never had to think about these things before.

I worry about juggling schedules, what happens when a DC is off sick and we both have important meetings. He's away a lot so I'll be doing both drop off and picks ups some weeks and it all just looks so stressful. But I miss talking to people about things other than children and whatever article I read on Facebook today!

Thanks Red, I really appreciate it! Sounds like a similar situation here. I used to be the main earner then went on maternity leave and my husband's career took off, meaning we could afford for me to not go back to work. But I do need something.

A year long trial sounds like a very good idea. It'll give us all a chance to try it out and work out what's best.

Thanks!! Let's hope I get it now!

This time last year I was in your situation. I had been a sahm since 2011. A great opportunity came up for me. I went for it and got it. I have 3 kids aged 2- 6. My eldest started primary last year and dc2 starts this September. My Dh works crazy long hours and we were very comfortable on the one salary but being at home was starting to get me down a bit. But it was a massive decision and I took the job. Full time but great salary and interesting job. My advice is to try it out if it doesn't work out its no big deal. A year on I am so happy I gave it a go but working full time with s Dh who works long hours is very tough. I would love three days but nothing in my area available part time. Best of luck with whatever choice you make. In life we make the choice, to take the chance, to make the change.