To work or not to work?

[egdehsdrawkcab]

I recently came back to work following a stint abroad with my husband - I'm in the UK while he remains abroad. We thought he was coming back soon but he has just agreed to another year. Far from ideal, but this will set us up for life leaving us mortgage free in the next 12 months.

In the meantime, I'm here with a small DC. They start school soon, but are in ft daycare at present - Mum guilt is dreadful but I took a job in my old sector pre-maternity and pre-move, thinking it'd help me get my foot back on the career ladder.

Truth is I am REALLY struggling. It's a huge juggle and even with family around to help I am simply not coping. DC1 being assessed for ASD, and many weekend are spent with me in tears. I feel like something has to give.

Should I;

A) dig deep for another 6 months when my contract finishes, see it through and then take a break?

B) quit now? DC1 will need me more after school starts in Sept anyway as I'd rather not use more childcare/clubs.

Disclaimer - financially I don't need to work. Going back was about having an identity and career outside the home.

I'm very torn. Also don't want to let company down but think I need to put DC and me first?

Will I really scupper career if I take a break right now? I'm quite young still - early 30's.

Thoughts appreciated!

Why not do part time?

I'm already p/t (3 days). Can't really do the job on less.

Quit. Could you afford to keep them in childcare for one to two days a week to give you a break.

Yep, the youngest would do two half days and will get 15 hours in January anyway (hopefully at same school as the eldest).

I would quit and focus on my children and use then time they are in nursery/school to do something for yourself but then that it what I am doing.

Quit.

Thanks, I think I've made my decision and have DH total support, not sure why I'm stalling....

Because society thinks looking after children makes you a lesser person than working Mum.

Do you have can you afford a cleaner and to do your shopping online?

Yes to both, weekly cleaner and online shop already in place

If my DH had agreed a contract extension overseas against what we had planned/agreed I would not quit. You might need to be capable of earning an independent living in the future and I would not compromise that.

It's not against what we've agreed, I support him in seeing it through and the long term benefit it brings.

Oh I assumed you were full time because you wrote they are in ft daycare

I was ft, already dropped my hours. I've kept them in daycare as also in the midst of big house move and build.... I take them out for swimming etc where I can!

also in the midst of big house move and build

You have a lot on your plate, don't you?

You ask, will taking a break scupper your career? Hard to answer, unless we know your job or sector. How easy was it to get this job?