WWYD - term time only job dilemma

[Twinmama32]

I currently work 12 hours a week in a school in an admin role, I’ve done this for 6 years. I’m classed as self employed (not strictly correct but a long story) so have to invoice monthly - i find this difficult to manage as my monthly income is irregular in amount due to school half terms/ holidays and not always paid promptly, I also don’t have a pension or much job security.
I’ve got the possibility of moving role to a different school but become an employee and work 35hrs a week term time (but paid spread over 12 months).
I think this is a good idea as these jobs are very hard to get, however I have 2 children and so that’d mean a childminder and a dog walker everyday which would mean I’d not be earning much, but still more than now.
My argument is that it’d be tight for a few years till they start secondary and then my childcare costs stop, plus I’d finally be getting a pension again and I still get all the school holidays.
Am I mad to give up 12hr week ‘easy’ for this with no obvious benefit straight away?No one irl agrees with me!

For background I have a partner and we’ve been together a very longtime, we are not married. Recently I’ve started to feel financially vulnerable as if anything were to happen to him/ or us as a couple I wouldn’t be able to support my family financially. Combined with the fact that I’ve not contributed to a pension in 9 years and I’m now 39 worries me.
Should I take the short term “pain” for the long term gain? Or am I crazy to give up the current role for more stress inside and outside work?

How old are the kids? At my kids' primary the teachers often used to go to collect their own kids and them come back and work in the classroom with their own child playing quietly in the corner.
Would this be an option? Sitting in the library with a book or iPad and headphones?

They’re 8 years old, sadly not an option to bring with me as I’d be a 25 min drive away.
I’ve just read another thread where posters as saying that actually it is about short term pain and looking at the bigger picture.
I think I know I just have to grab the bull etc etc and go for it even with all the negative opinions from friends and family after all they won’t be paying me my pension!

Go for it OP, what have you got to lose by giving it a go, you are thinking of a more secure future for you and your kids, and if it is too much for you at the moment you could possibly go back to self-employment anyway. Time flies, your kids will be much more independent before you know it, you will have much better pay and conditions and you will still will be with them for all the holidays.

I'd definitely apply for the second job as it's a better prospect in the long term.

Would you need to get a dog walker? You could do that in the evenings, with the kids.

And to cut down on childcare costs could you offer someone else a trade .. such as home baking, making packed lunches or frozen meals, or taking their kids on the weekend or something?

I think you should look at the bigger picture And go for the better job / long term income and job security.
You’re obviously already stressing about your current financials - so I think you need to improve your position to stop worrying about that.

Apply for the other role - you need to feel secure. Any Childcare and other costs should be split with your partner if you get the role?

Good luck

Yes do it.
And chat with your DP about costs. In all honesty if you are providing childcare and dog walking during the holidays I think he should be responsible for all term time child care and dog waking costs. Absolute minimum should be 50/50. They are his children too and he needs to provide for them

OP I went ft when Dd was 8, it was fine. I didn't actually need any formal childcare as by that age she had numerous extra- curricular activities she loved and I had reciporical relationships with other parents from the school. Can't help with the dog I'm afraid would an early walk and one when you grt in not surfice ? Some 8 years olds would be able to get themselves home and walk the dog (had a colleague whose DCs did this).

I'd do it. I am assuming your children are in year 4, before you know it they will be at secondary school meaning you shouldn't need either before or after school childcare.

Primary school will be over and done with very soon, it may not feel like it but it goes fast.

Yes the 12 hours works for you right now but you have to know that term time jobs are like hen's teeth. Take the new one, you'll be earning more than you are now and in a couple of years you will have less outgoings.

Yes I agree, take the new one!

Go for it

I did almost exactly this. 15hrs term time only to 35hrs term time only. I’m really enjoying the challenge of the bigger role, childcare is a constant juggle but doable (I have 4 DC!) The benefit in terms of pension, earning potential, training etc far outweigh the short term pain.

Go for it!

Yes, definitely go for the new job.

I think go for it, I think if you don't long term you will regret not doing it.
Security and pension are massively important

I'd definitely go for the new role.
If the hours are 35pw for what, 40 weeks pa? Then that's only around 27 hours pw. Will you definitely need childcare/ dog walking? Can the hours be flexible so that you do perhaps one longer day and maybe 9.30 - 2 the other four days?

Ah I think I misunderstood that the hours are to be worked over 52 weeks, but it's just the pay that's spread out. I'd still go for it though.

go for it, and perhaps in another 5 years you will be in a better position for a job that isnt term time only

I’d take the other job. Better long term prospects. The kids will soon be leaving primary (it goes really quickly). I’m just back into work (I have two children with complex needs). And I’m so glad to be paying into a pension. Your DP needs to help sort childcare and the dog. Have you considered marriage? Even just a registry office do to make things simpler?

I would go for it. Remember that childcare costs should be split, and OH might be able to get some flexi time- dropping off in the morning for example while you negotiate an early start and early finish one day a week. So if in England they are in yr3 or yr4? Another 18 months/ 2 1/2 years they can probably walk home and let themselves in. Assuming that you like the job you could have 10 years to see them through secondary school.