Help, chance of a full time job - but what about the children?

[hellish]

I need some advice or opinion.
Last week I started a part time job after being at home with my 2 dds since June. They are 6 and 9 and in school 8.15 - 2.45.

The part time job is only 8 hours at the moment (two days during school time) but should go up to 20 hours after Christmas - (still in school time), so no childcare, girls come home to me everyday.

Today I got an email about a job I applied for ages ago. It's Mon-Fri, 9-5 except Wednedays and Thursdays 12-8pm. so the dds would need after school care every day.

I haven't had an interview yet, but I can't decide whether the extra money. more interesting job is worth putting my (always been at home with mummy) dds in childcare.

I started part time, outside the home work when my DCs were similar ages to yours. (I had worked from home since they were born). Mine is 4 days a week, 9:30 til 3pm, it worked out really well, as the DCs didn't want to go to after-school club. It really depends how much you need the extra money.
I am planning to increase the hours of my job as the DCs get older, so will eventually be working until 5pm. But by that time, they will be at junior school.
Is your part-time job enjoyable? Can you negotiate longer hours in the future?
On the other hand, your DCs might be really excited about after school clubs etc.
The Wed/Thurs 12-8pm time would not be doable for me...everyday until 5pm would be doable, wrt to afterschool club etc.
If the full time job is really interesting, could you not ask for shorter hours to start with - you can only ask, and they can only say no...you still have your part-time job.

sorry, that was really garbled

Thanks Rose, I don't have a problem with two evenings till 8 as DH will be home.

I just feel so bad for dc that can't come home after school. Anyone got any experience of how SAH kids have adapted to afterschool care?

Options would be either after school club or child minder.

Hi hellish

Not sure if this will be any help but I gave up working when my twins were born and was a SAHM for almost 3½ years. Back then the thought of after school club would have horrified me!!! However, I then went back to work part time but mainly from home and during nursery hours.
I've now increased my hours and do more away from home. My twins (who are in year 1) attend after school club 3 days a week even though its not always necessary. They love it and have asked to go more often! They've adapted perfectly to this helped by the fact that lots of their friends also do after school club activities. I'm happy because I know that they're being well looked after.

ds is 3 and in nursery school / with cm. she also has three after school children aged 6-10 plus her own 3yo. they have a lovely time, going to playground in a big group, eating and playing together. ds quite often cries on the nights i get home earlier and he has to have dinner at home

i don't know much about after school club but i think it might be nicer for them to be in a home setting rather than spending a very long day at school.

My neighbour just pulled her sons out from local afterschool club as they were miserable. Suppose it depends on the children and the club in question.
Good luck in your new job.

Thanks for the responses everyone, I have an interview next week, I am going to ask if there is any flexibility in the hours.

I feel that if I could be home 2 days a week after school that would make a huge difference. (abit like your situation Badpups - my dd2 is also Y1)

So I guess I don't have to worry about it unless I get the job!

Most children are adaptable and will fit into the new routine. Of course, if your only childcare options are seriously poor, then you need to rethink.
But remember, you have a long working life ahead of you. A few hours a week that fit around school may have served you well until now - but your children will be increasingly independent and will reach the point where they won;t want you picking them up every day - sorry but that's reality!!
I would think hard about possibly turning down a good opportunity.

Good advice findtheriver -I am starting to think that way.