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Original poster

P/T work...should I or shouldnt I?

14 replies

becaroo · 30/05/2007 19:18

My ds will be 4 in 2 weeks. He goes to pre school 5 mornings a week during term time and my PIL look after him for 2 afternoons a week. He starts school in January.

I have been offered a job for 2 days a week (I can choose the days.) It is offering a decent wage and it is based in the nearest big city so will get me out of the 5 mile radius that seems to be my life at the moment!!

HOWEVER, the drawback is that I am very unsure how my ds will react, and also I would occasionally have to work full time to cover holidays, which could be problematic.

The selfish part of me would like to try it, the mother half is horrified I am even thinking about it! Would be so nice to earn my own money again.....has anyone had any experience of this - good or bad????

OP posts:
dissle · 30/05/2007 19:19

Why "selfish" why do you say this?

Moomin · 30/05/2007 19:21

I think it sounds like a brilliant way back into work and getting your ds used to the idea that you and his lives will start to separate a little from now on. Jobs like this don't come up too often. Go for it!

hana · 30/05/2007 19:23

lots of mums work part time
I enjoy it, it's a good mix for me working 2 days and 3 days at home

bogwobbit · 30/05/2007 19:26

Definitely try it. Your ds is 4 he'll be at preschool or looked after by his grandparents, whom I'm sure he loves and who love him. You'll get some cash of your own and the chance of independence.
What's the worst that can happen. If it works out badly, you can hand your notice in.

Tamum · 30/05/2007 19:30

I don't know if I am misunderstanding something here but if he's at preschool 5 mornings and looked after by his grandparents two afternoons, then you could do two days a week without him noticing any difference couldn't you? Or do you have lunch with him every day? I can see that the full-time bits might be a bit harder but I really wouldn't worry.

Enid · 30/05/2007 19:32

bloody hell

he's hardly at home full time! Why on earth are you worrying?

Judy1234 · 30/05/2007 19:35

Go for it. It all looks well set up for that. Adult women should support themselves in 2007.

Original poster
becaroo · 30/05/2007 19:44

Thank you for your posts....

I see what you mean Enid and Dissle...I suppose I just feel guilty about actually wanting to go back to work. I see raising my son as my "job" (although I have to say that my dh is a great dad and very involved.)

My dh seems to think it could work, so I will let you know what I decide........

OP posts:
tiredandgrumpy · 30/05/2007 19:58

I think your son will appreciate having a mum who feels fulfilled & refreshed by having had the break from working outside the home (yes, it's true, almost anything is easier than being a mum, no matter how much you love it). You're also giving him a good role model by demonstrating that it's not just men who work, but women too.

Standard arguments I know, but as someone who has worked pt for 3 days yet adores being a mum I reckon I have the best of both worlds. Does your son love your husband any the less because he goes to work?

mozhe · 30/05/2007 20:01

Go for it....raising your son is part of your role as an adult,( along with your DH ), but it isn't really a job....this would be ! It will be excellent news for your DS too...more £££s in the family and the role model of a working mother will stand him in good stead for the future.

Original poster
becaroo · 30/05/2007 20:23

I never really thought of it like that before...

Although I adore my ds, being a SAHM is the hardest thing I have ever done and I really feel that now with him coming up to 4 years old I want to do something for myself that doesnt involve him (I feel so guilty just typing that!...aargh!)

Just to have a set lunch hour!....toilet breaks when I actually need them and not two hours later!....no bob the builder....must be marvellous

OP posts:
CountTo10 · 30/05/2007 20:29

DO IT!! 2 days a week is a great way to get back into working and your ds will get used to it. He's gonna be at school full time soon anyway and when you're working full time there's plenty of facilities such as after school clubs etc that can keep him occupied - it really is not the end of the world. If after a while it;s really not working for whatever reason, you can look for something different. I work PT and I love the flexibility it gives me, not to mention the money!!

ebenezer · 30/05/2007 20:46

Do it!! What have you got to lose? Your ds is out at pre-school anyway, so in practical terms it's unlikely to make much difference to him. Why is it 'selfish' to want to be a fulfilled human being? I don't mean to criticise, but it's an interesting choice of word - and one which I think is usually very unhealthy for all concerned! Do you expect that your ds will one day want/need to go out and make his own way in the world and earn a living? Because if so, then surely it's even more important that you show him how its done!

Original poster
becaroo · 31/05/2007 17:54

Have had two more interview offers in the post today! Hurrah!

Going to go to them and see what happens, even if it is only for the experience.

Am definately going to go back to work p/t...just a question of what and where.

Thanks for all your posts

OP posts:
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