Working Unsociable Hours - what do people do about childcare?

[ilovemydogandMrObama]

Am applying for a perfect job. It requires some evenings and weekends, which I don't mind in principle, but in practice, my partner also does shifts.

It's part time as it's 21 hours.

What do others do?

If you have a partner, you have more of a chance to work out how you can do this. I guess you'd really need to have all the facts and sit down with your Dp and work through it with pen and paper and lots of tea .

I don't have a partner which is why it feels impossible to go back atm with the unsocial hours and weekend working.

I have such empathy. I'm in your position, we talked, we solved nothing except delaying my return to work till the boys are both full time school. And then dh is hoping I find a miracle school hours job that I love He works days nights evenings and weekends, so its a nightmare I know.

COntact local babysitters and childminders (or a babysitting agency) to find out prices etc for emergency or ad hoc childcare (not all childminders will do evenings and weekends) Are the shifts on a reasonably regular pattern? Because the more regular it is the more likely you are to be able to sort out a regular childcare provider for those hours when your partner can't cover for you.
It's also worth looking at friends/family for emergency cover, making sure your LO is OK with being left with different people.

Yes, the shifts are regular...

Hadn't thought of a babysitter [duh!] Thanks!

i work back to back with dh. he does 7-4, i do 5-10. we both put in flexible working requests to do so. he's in the police, i'm at m&s.

Depending on the age of DC and family income you may well get tax credits to help with childcare costs BTW. (this can apply AFAIK whatever the actual time of day you need childcare...)

I work 12 hour shifts as a nurse different days every week and its mad (or was) with 3 little ones under 5 all at different childcare but we manage week to week although I do think Im not sure we would manage without amazing grandparents ....My husband works shifts too, I will let you know how it goes this week, I am back to work after 10 months maternity on Fri! good luck....

Found out that it's only one Saturday in 3, so that should be manageable, and one late a week.

Now just have to get the job! It's just so perfect. Exactly what I want to do, have right qualifications, close by, etc...