Older children - going back to work FT - help & advice

[Berries]

DDs will be in y6 & y7 in Sept. I have always worked pt up to now, but recently lost my job (unavoidable, co folded) and am having no luck getting pt work in the industry I work in. In 12 months time, the dds will be leaving at 7.50 and returning at 4.45 (school bus) so large part of the day will be without children.

I am now seriously considering going back ft in Sept. I enjoy what I do and don't like being at home f/t, although things always get manic once dds come home. I can't leave work for to long as it changes so quickly I would have difficulty getting back in. Have heard of a job which would be ideal, sounds like the type of work I love but am worried about the effect on the children. Also, not sure what type of childcare would be appropriate. DDs don't need much more than homework supervision and ferrying about after school, so could be an easy job but I know that after-school nannies are difficult to get hold of.

Anybody been/is in a similar position & could share their experiences please? I really don't want to end up in 5 years time regretting missing the boat career wise, but also don't want to cause any issues with the children. To make matters worse, have been able to lots of work from home for last 2 years so children are now very used to having me there (used to do 3 days afterschool club before).

Money wise we're not desparate but looks like will have 2 lots of school fees so anything I earn will mean the difference between not worrying about unexpected bills etc. (IME a definite plus)

OK, realise everyone in the same boat will probably be at work now so will bump later for the evening crowd

Berries - my eldest will be Year 6 next also. She's just had an after-school childminder for all her time at school, could you not consider that? Soon ish they'll be able to let themselves in at home anyway and wait for you. The problem with full-time though is teh school holidays, What will you do then?

I find the children need me more they are at secondary school and need more help with homework than every before, it's so difficult, does your school offer after school care ?
That was what i loved and miss about private school, they had excellent clubs.

My ds started secondary last September, but I stayed working pt simply because as a lawyer, as long as I hit my billable hours targets, it doesn't really matter how many hours I actually sit at my desk.

Agree that secondary children may still need quite a lot of support, my ds found it really tough for the first 6 months ago and it was nice to be around to have a snack and a chat together when he got home.

BUT BUT BUT I can see it working for you if you can get your kids into some sort of after school club.

my ideas are:

1. work your hours so you're there as early as you can get your kids off to school, take only half an hour for lunch and see if you can negotiate toget away in time so that you're home for 5pm. That way, your Year 7 will only be home for 15 mins before you. My ds lets himself in if I'm delayed and quite enjoys a bit of time tohimself.

2. Get your Y6 into after school clubs or a homework club. "Don't like chess, love? tough. It's only 90 mins and will be character building!"

3.Can your dh work half a day from home so he can be in for the kids getting back?

4. Can you and friends make some arrangements to help each other? Eg if I was ever stuck when ds younger, I'd ask one of his mates mums to collect him & give him tea and I'd return the favour (maybe you could have someone's kid on a Saturday afternoon or something?)

I'm sure this would be workable.

So far as holidays are concerned, I've always muddled through with a combination of PGL holidays for a week, ds going to my mums for a week, taking a few days here and there and looking after one of his friends, on basis he'd go to his friend's another day, etc.

ago = or so.

Mumblechum's solution is the one used by most working mothers of older children. It does help if either you or DH works locally and if you are able to do some flexible hours. If your DCs have interests such as sport, music, scouts/guides you send them off on courses for several holiday weeks, then you can do a swop with other families and call in the grannies. PGL also a good idea (especially when they are running the 2 for the price of 1 offer). Although it seems daunting, it generally works out well. Your secondary aged children will be old enough to look after themselves for shortish periods at home (ie between them coming back from school/activity and you getting back from work).
If you really don't like the idea of them being by themselves even for short periods, the best route would be to get an au pair.

I'm going to have 16 yo boys at the same time as my DD would need an au pair, i'm not sure that would be wise at all lol

Thanks for all the advice. I don't think the aupair route is one you should go for Hideehi

I am concerned that the children will miss not having me around at home time, but I look at dd1 and she's growing up so quick I also know that she'll probably be quite glad if I wasn't there for a while!

DD2 does go to ind school now, so is a very good after-school, where they can also do homework. She doesn't finish 'til 5 on 3 nights per week anyway. If I could get back for 5 it's def. doable during term time, and holidays will be a nightmare (no family support anywhere close) but if I start in Sept I've got plenty of time to see whether it's working out before the holidays. If it's causing too many problems anyway will have to leave before they start!

There's an awful lot of 'ifs' in that sentence, guess that's how I feel at the moment. I think that, on balance, apply for the job and then see how I get on. Wish me luck.