I posted this on another thread, I would be grateful for your thoughts fellow mumsnetters....
I am in the middle of a dilemma - I recently returned to work part -time after 6 months maternity leave. My job is as a project engineer in the Chemical Industry. I work on a production site installing new equipment and assissting in production of refined rapeseed oil. As you can imagine, this is a very traditional male - orientated work environment, and my part-time status was hard to negotiate. Unfortunately it is only a 'trial' for 3 months and ends in March. My boss wants me to return full time, but I am not prepared to do this. To be honest it is a very demanding job, long hours etc when commissioning new equipment, training staff on shifts etc., and it is hard to fit the role to part time unless the company are prepared to be more flexible. The stress is getting to me and I am thinking of resigning. I love my job, but my daughter comes first, and it will be a real struggle with just DH income, but we will manage until I can find something where I can work from home, or part time. I have a Masters degree, 15 years experience and am a chartered engineer. Is this all wasted?????