Job and childcare dilemma - what would you do?

[melpomene]

I had a job interview in mid-July for a job at a university. They still haven't made a decision and I'm in a real quandary about whether to accept the job if it is offered. I have dd1 (4, about to start school) and dd2 (2, starting playgroup) and have been a SAHM (with a little bit of work at home) since having dd2.

The pros of the job:

• it is worthwhile work and sounds interesting and not too stressful. I have spoken to a friend of a friend who is doing the job already, and she enjoys it.

• it is part time (20 hours) and term time only.

• My previous career was quite specialised and it's very hard to find part time jobs that fit my experience, where the salary is enough to cover childcare costs. The job I was interviewed for was the only one I've seen advertised in 6 months that looked at all suitable.

• I need some extra money by next April, when the fixed-rate period on our mortgage ends.

• I want to work outside the home again, for intellectual stimulation and to have another role besides 'Mummy'.

The cons:

-the hours are varied and unpredictable. They could be split shifts (eg 9-11, then 2-4) and could change from term to term. This could make childcare complicated and expensive.

• If I'm offered the job, I probably won't find out the times I'll be working until just before I start (mid-Sept)

-the salary is 6k lower than what I earned in my last job, before having dd2.

• it wouldn't really be progressing my career in terms of responsibility & experience. I'm somewhat overqualified for the job.

• They have no parking, so transport could be a hassle. I could cycle, but it would be difficult combining that with school run / childminder drop off, especially in winter.

• If I start the job, I would have to attend an induction day on dd1's first day of school. I could take her to school, but a friend would have to pick her up on that day.

-dd1's school has an after school club but no breakfast club.

• My mum just emailed me saying it would be a mistake for me to take this job; I respect her judgment and she's usually supportive so her email has upset me.

This has been dragging on and on. I've spoken to several CMs but, understandably, they can't commit to anything because I haven't got a proper job offer yet and don't know what the hours would be. And to make matters worse, the after-school club at dd1's school are chasing me to pay a deposit and I don't want to pay that without knowing if I've got the job.

So, would it all be too much hassle? Or should I take up the opportunity, in the absence of anything better? What would you do?

Sorry, that is really long.

Have got to play with the dds now. Shall check back later.

you have more cons than pros

think unless you can get a bit more certainty about shifts then childcare will be difficult, but not impossible.

why are they taking so long to make a decision?

On balane I think you shodul consider taking it, if you cna fidn chidlcare flexible enough. The transport may well sort itself out, maybe a lift share or park and ride, others must have the same problem, and the hours may not be as awkward as you fear once you are there. Waht dois friend of friend say about your concerns ?

As one who has been out of the workplace for 9 years and currently finding it hard to get back in at any level part-time term time, I would advise that you try it if offered , even if you continue to look around for something else.

The job is assisting disabled students, so the number of people appointed to the job depends on the number of disabled students, and what funding those students can get. I did think they said at the interview that they would have the decision by mid-August, but I spoke to them this morning and it's still not decided.

(really got to go to play with dds now. back later)

Hmmm interesting perspectives. Friend of friend who is already doing the job has much older children, so childcare is not really an issue for her. She did warn me that fitting the job round young children would be difficult, though.

Mel similar positoin to you. I actually gave up work to try and start a family - managed it (phew!) but we've run out of cash.

I'm approaching 40 and two years out of the market and I can't say I've had offers thrown at me.

Also childcare is very much geared up to people who are on mat leave and who know when they are returning.

As Liz said, you've got to be realistic and start somewhere. I've found a 3 day week job starting Monday (Gulp!) and as this is the time of year that nursery's have spaces it's workign out. Except that my workingday is long (9-6) which means dh has to pick up ds from nursery (not very child friendly hours given the job was advertised on a working mum's website).

I think you need to start somewhere. I'm taking this approach with this job. However, I also agree with your mum. You need to balance the pros (in my view once working easier to get another job) against the cons (stress with childcare).

I'm stressed and I haven't even started yet!!!!!

In my experience there's never a 'right' or an 'easy' time to go back to work. The perfect job, that's stimulating, pays well and fits around the children, doesn't exist. My advice would be to go for it - often I think the worry about how it's going to pan out is worse than the reality. You'll find a way of dealing with the logistics because you just have to. Good luck.