3 DC under 5 - is it feasible to return to work?

[instantfamily]

how realistic is it to return to work part time?

the DC are going to kindergarten from 8 to 1pm, possibly soon until 3.30pm. but with the cold/flu season going, and without aupair or grandmother nearby I feel that no employer will accept a mom who says that she needs to stay home for a day every other week because her children are sick.

What do you do?

Bump.

Depends how flexible a role you can find and how flexible your OH's work is.

I work freelance which means I can make up time lost through sickness. DH can also cover stuff like sickness.

Is it really a day off every other week? Because realistically that's not sustainable for an employer. And young children should build up resilience to the usual sniffles. When I had 3 under 5 I never found that one child was ill enough for me to need time at home every fortnight!

Apart from the illness issue, yes, it is feasible, though you may well find you are working for a time for no bet gain financially, or even at a loss, until the oldest one(s) are at school.

From an employers viewpoint, it may even seem an advantage if you've had your family as you are more likely to have a good few years run of continuous employment without leave.

NET gain!

I'm in the same situation with no family near to help and yes it has been a problem for the first few months of starting nursery with both my DC, however to my surprise I have found that after the first couple of colds they both coped quite well and were able to go to nursery quite happily with a cold. The real killer is the tummy bugs, so hygiene has been a big factor for me when selecting nurseries. My employers have been ok with having to take time off - I have caught up in the evenings, taken leave or if I had an important unmissable thing on have warned my husband in advance so he could make sure he didn't schedule something that important the same day just in case he had to take time off. On the whole if the employer is reasonable (public sector and big companies are often best for this, though there are enlightened smaller employers out there too) and you show your commitment in other ways then it should work ok. And like Violethill says at least from their point of view you won't be nipping off on maternity leave. Good luck!

thanks for your messages.

one of the main motivators is to get out and meet people other than SAHM and to get the old brain working again, so a net gain would be nice but is not essential.

I am a SAHM (and a single mum), and have ended up starting my own business (Usborne Books).

I love that I can go to toddler groups etc so ds can play, I can meet lots of other mums, and make money too!

There's loads of work out there and I'm expanding my team, so if you're interested in more info, let me know!

Hi , Have you thought about starting your own business part time?I too needed some extra cash and looked into various business opps including Avon whilst on Mat leave - I joined a network marketing Company/A British PLC and am now back at work four days a week - So glad I didnt join Avon as I dont have huge amounts of free time and need to do things at my own pace. Let me know if you are interested in any more info!

I did it, but had a resident babysitter at home.
I have an Au Pair now (am divorced), couldn't manage without. Our only other alternative would be benefits, so the AP is really important. We all double up so that she has a bedroom to herself!