Need some help with a work decision

[mixedmama]

I have recently gone back to work after DS2 (5 months). DS1 is 2.

My new job is a maternity contract until May next year. It is 1230 - 6.00 every day... I picked this as I wanted to still go to toddler group with the boys two days per week which is in the morning.

my 2 year old loves toddler group and i really enjoy meeting up with my mummy friends too and they are great at helping out with the baby if i need to deal with DS1.

The lady I work with has not worked out and so is leaving, she works 8.00 - 1.30 although our handover is usually minimal so she leaves about 12.50.

My childcare at the moment consists of 3 days my parents and 2 days ILs. Which works fine as I prefer for ILs not to look after them too much.

I have now been offered the permanent morning shift and dont know whether to take it.

The days we go to toddler group are fairly productive, but the others I spend washing and stuff and DS1 pretty much just watches TV or occupies himself.

If I work mornings we will have to give up toddler group but we will have a "bulk" of time together each day, to have play dates, go to the park etc. DH has agreed that if i do it then they can go to nursery for the school day (9-3 ish) otherwise i would have to rely solely on ILs as my parents live too far and I DO NOT want to do that.

After all that waffle do you think it is better to take the new job, have job security and spend a straight 6 hours with them or keep my current arrangement with a few hours in the mornign and a few in the evening.

FWIW I have hardly cooked a proper meal since I started as I get home for 7.00 then to cook and eat means DS1 not gettign to bed until 10 sometimes....

I work full time with parents and inlaws doing child care. I would go for the permanent job in the am, your kids would get the stimulation at nursery and quality time with you. Win win!

thats what DH says... a shame abotu all the friends we have made but i suppose we could exchange numbers and meet in the afternoons for park visits and stuff.

Do you think you would be less tired and/or hectic in the evening?

It sounds like avoiding the ILs would be good but you don't want to be isolated. I do think it's important to be with other mums so would definitely exchange numbers and make sure you call if you do give up the job. I see playgroup friends outside of that time, but it's true that it's often earlier in the day but if you get off at half one it shoud be ok.

Is there a family centre near you? We have one you can drop in any time and there's usually someone to chat to. They have a great toy library too.

How friendly would work be if you said you wanted to do it for a trial period?

Hey susie...

thx for replying.

I do have mum friends already who we now dont see as much becuase of working... I do think things would be less hectic, would be able to cook a decent dinner every night... could have play dates and things. We have a soft play gym very close that has sessions all day.

I am still thinking about the ILs... i just dont want them to be the main carers, but dont want to give up weekends to have to visit them either... so am thinking about the best way forward with that. I might stick with my plan from before to have them look after them one day a week, I can always pick them up myself or even leave it to DH on that day and use it to do something nice for myself.

Most people i have spoken to think work / life balance is better in the afternoon / evening.