Please bear with me! I have tried to put as much info as possible into this, so sorry for the book.
I currently work a full time admin job and have been in my current role for 3 months (I previously did the exact same job at a different company for 2 1/2 years but left because this was much better paid and I felt like I couldn't miss the opportunity). Fast forward to now, and I don't dislike my job, but I'm feeling VERY unfulfilled (I think they overestimated how much work they needed me for and have been told I 'shouldn't have to ask for work by this point' even though I have none!) and I'm finding it increasingly difficult to balance work/home. It also doesn't help that my child has had every virus under the sun in the past 3 months and, being his sole carer with little to no support, I've had to take parental leave several times already, I've felt a bit like a yoyo but it's not actually affected my lack of work.
My DS is a young 4, he is struggling with school and is becoming more and more clingy/difficult with his behaviour (recently suggested by school to have an early years assessment for support). He has a fantastic childminder who does the school run and after school care/holidays. Due to travel time, I am now only seeing him for 2 hours a day max - between being offered this job and starting, the public transport times changed, and taxis would cost me £20+ per day. I am learning to drive but by no means am I close to passing. The guilt is eating away at me and affecting my already poor MH (depression and anxiety, which yes, I have been to the doctors for). I spend the weekends dreading coming into work Monday and I am mentally exhausted (throw in family issues and DS dad being an arse). Financially, I'm no better off as my tax credits were cut completely due to my new wage and will not be reinstated till October. I've also got no interest in the field I'm in (same as previous job), I've toyed with the idea of going back into part time education over the years as I know where I want to go, but I know I personally would not cope with this on top of current circumstances.
I have considered going back to my old job, which I was told would be open to me if I did, but I know they would not pay anymore than what I was on (NMW) and honestly, I'd feel a bit humiliated going back with my tail between my legs. They've also moved offices now which would make no difference to my current travel situation. It's just that I prefer the work I did and had good relationships there.
I have my probation meeting due in a couple of weeks and I'm panicking because of the parental leave and feeling like I've not really done much here. I would suggest going part time but I really do not think they'll go for it/it would be a bit cheeky of me.
My question is: has anyone left a full time position and took another, more manageable part time role? and how did it help? If I was to do this, I would seriously be looking into further education.