Returning to work after SAHM is proving impossible

[HurricaneHalle]

I've seen a few positions that have become available that I have the relevant experience and skills for and I'm confident that I would have a good chance at securing an interview however should I be successful I would need childcare for wraparound primary and the same for preschool term time for my kids.

I'm currently a SAHM and one role is M-F 830-430 and occasional extra hours. I pretty much solo parent as my DH works away a lot.

I'm doubting whether I should apply. I don't even know where to start with childcare let alone the costs. We could really benefit from the income but the cost in childcare might make it pointless in even trying the resurrect my career.

My post is pretty pointless. Guess I'm getting it off my chest.

Has anyone done this? Any advice/tips/screams of Do It or Don't Do It?

I'm already thinking I'll be missing one of my children starting school whereas I've been there for all the others however we really need the income and I would be looking in a 1-2 years time anyway. One position is great but maybe it's simply wrong timing.

Apply anyway. You can probably work it out if you really like the job. It's not going to be any easier - in fact probably less so - in 1-2 years' time.

The longer you leave it the more you will struggle. Employers don't like large cv gaps and will usually go with someone already in employment who will be upto date, need less training, current relevant references etc.

Those hours are very easy to manage with childcare and you're until they leave Primary school you're always going to have childcare costs so it's just an expense of working.

Apply anyways. In the meantime ring round some Childminders and check availability and hourly fee. Contact the school to ask about breakfast club and after school clubs.

I think as long as you break even on all costs of work/childcare its worth it if you want to maintain a career.

I've called around and done the sums. It's not feasible as there aren't any childminders in the area of the preschool child. I want to continue with the PS became it's amazing but need wrap around care for two and half days and care for the non PS days. I'll look at vacancies again this time next year.

Appreciate the replies. Thanks.

can your DH not do some of the looking after his own children ? Working from home etc? I went back fairly recently (after a long period of time at home) Whilst I am finding my feet DP (whose career has had no impact at all from him being a father) has stepped up, as is right, as I have sacrificed my own career while he has been advancing in his.

It's a family cost and a family responsibility.