Can I just have a few opinions on whether I should apply for 'dream' job? (long, sorry)

[Mooseheart]

Ok, I have now been a SAHM for five years. I have been thinking of going back to work for a while now so have been keeping my eyes open for a pt job that is local and in my field of 'expertise'. They don't come up often but one finally has!

It's twenty hours pw, with flexible hours and flexi over holidays. The work itself is exactly what I used to do (but obviously with another company), so I feel fairly comfortable with the actual day to day entailment of the role. Which is great, enough of a challenge for me right now.

HOWEVER... I just don't know whether I want to go for it! I don't actually know if I WANT to go back to work. We're not loaded so it would be nice to have the extra financial security but we've managed the last five years and I think we could manage for another two.

Advantages:

More financial security

Foot in the door - not getting any younger!

Might actually enjoy it!

Could be a missed opportunity (that will pay off when dd2 starts school in 2010 - less childcare to pay and great hours because I'll have the rest of the week off!).

Disadvantages:

Half the pay will be taken up with childcare, travel, loss of tax credits etc

I will have NO time off a week to get on with chores etc (I know, many don't. But the fact is I'm finally getting some free time and I'm loving it!)

Hectic mornings three days a week

Lots of running around organising household stuff with (a fairly demanding) three yr old in tow on 'days off'

I have had health problems the last 18 moths, nothing major, just a dreadful immune system so I'm not sure how well I'd be able to perform anyway. Have been advised to rest as much as possible

I'm a stress head and I don't want to impact the rest of the family with any more of my 'stressiness'.

I do know that there are plenty out there who manage to juggle it all, and believe me I've nothing but respect to you. I know I sound like a bit of a wuss. But is it worth it? Really? Should I just wait another couple of years as was my original plan for when dd2 starts school and I'll have more free time? I'm 33 btw.

Thanks

you want our permission for you not to apply for it don't you . if it hadn't been for the health issues, I'ld have been more inclined to nudge you to go for it, given the flexibility of the job. But - you sound like you feel you should apply rather than want to apply. So follow your instincts on this one.

I think you should apply for it and make the decision when and if they offer it to you. You might go for the interview and realise you'd love it and you REALLY want it, or that you wouldn't want to do it if your DC's lives depended on it! But if you don't even apply, you'll never know.

Thank you TotalChaos. You have read me well there! I have a bit of a guilt issue about being a SAHM (have nothing against SAHMs AT ALL- that would be pure hypocrisy anyway given that i am one ) because it was drummed into me from an early age the importance of having a great career. Perhaps I am seeking reassurance that actually it'll be fine if I carry on SAHMing for another couple of years.

Yes, it would prob be a bad idea given the health issues.

Fact is, I was really excited about this job when it came up but the more I think about it the less sure I am.

But jobs like this don't come up often and I'll kick myself forever if I don't at least apply and see if I get an interview! I just don't want to waste their time unless I'm 100% committed to wanting it.

God I'm a ditherer...

Thank you whinegums. I guess an interview is just as much about me interviewing them as them interviewing me.

Okay, I'm going to apply and see how it goes...

Yes, you should apply. If you get an interview, then that's great. Do the interview, and see how you feel about it afterwards. You could always do the interview and then withdraw if it doesn't feel right.

Hang onto your initial feelings of excitement while you write your application, and if you get an interview, then start to consider all the practical details.

Apply, Apply, Apply.

Then dither

And can I just add that you might not lose your tax credits.

When I stopped working part-time I assumed our tax credits would go up as we'd lost my wage, but they didn't as my dh's salary alone kept us in the same fairly wide tax band. I'm assuming the same will happen when I go back to work part-time eg. the tax credits should stay the same iyswim.

Obviously it depends which band you are in to begin with, but worth checking.

Great, thank you all for your replies. Am actually doing application right now.

gladbag, the tax credits system is so unreliable and odd isn't it? I think I may call the inland rev just to see what the situation would be - I have to 'discuss' my salary at interview apparently!

When you go for interview try and meet your future colleagues. If they strike you as lovely people with only one head that you feel you could spend time with then you are made.

I find I am less stressful when I work as now being a SAHM I have time on my hands to stress about stupid relationship rubbish and housework.

Why not pay a cleaner for a couple of hours a week to help you out. Everyone is at it!

CC, yes the cleaner expense is AKA the 'etc' on my list where I mention financial implications! Didn't want to mention that one as I know it can be a bit of a contentious issue on MN!!

Get on with you! . they're all doing it!

Having a cleaner is an absolutely non-negotiable essential in this house . I work part time (2 days per week), but wanted to work part time so I could spend time with dd, not so I could clean my house . Add to that the fact that I'm really bad at cleaning, and you'll understand why I will give up food before I give up my cleaner .

Before I get flamed, yes, I know I'm very fortunate to have the choice!

I hae someone in each mo rning to clean, do washing etc. but for the first 10 years of three childern and both working full time we certainly couldnt have afforded it.

Yes, go back. It will be fine and you'llb e glad you did.