can you help me make a decision about work

[Greatfun]

I need some advice from MN. I have a PT professional type job (3 days) I have worked for the same company for many years and know they are fairly flexible re: looking after sick DCs/ Working at home, etc.

If I go back I will be an hour from home/nursery and will be left with about £200 once I have paid for childcare, travel, etc until DD starts school when the childcare bill should be less. I like some but not all aspects of the job and would love to do something else but realistically think this would be tricky given I have 2 young DCs. We can get by without the £200 I would earn. The question is would you go back to keep the PT job you know or take the leap and have a few years out and see what happens.

What does your DH think you should do?

I recently have stopped working (slightly different situation) to enjoy the DC more my reasoning was I can have one or more successful careers in a life time but your kids only grow up once. I really do enjoy the time with them (and so do they), help out at school and feel very privileged I am able to do this.

DH fully supports the decision and loves we now have a calm home where food is ready, the house is tidy (well if he is lucky) and he can spend quality time with the kids instead of rushing them off to bed to get some time to himself and I could work most evenings(had my own business which I have sold).

So to answer your question I would stay home for a few years and enjoy and then go return to the job market. BUT you need to do what is right for you and your family.

Hope it works out!

Thanks. That's really helped. DH wants me to stay at home for all the reasons you gave. I remember when we just had DD it was chaos on work days trying to be here there and everywhere. I just worry that I won't be able to find a similar job again in terms of pay (finding a job to cover 2 sets of childcare is difficult), paying into a pension, flexibility and in the same field (very specialised). I realise I am lucky to have the choice but things will be very tight for us without the £200 and marginally less with it.

You need to work out what you want to do...I would probably keep working in a job I know and quite like. Given the job market, perhaps better the devil you know?

what about asking for a sabbatical and seeing if being a SAHM is everytrhing you hope it will be?

I asked about a sabbatical but they said no unfortunately.