Working Part-time at weekends?

[SugarSpike]

Does anyone work weekends and have the week free for basically taking kids to school etc.

I really want to go back to work after nearly four years off. I have a 7yr old in full-time school and a 3 year old in nursery from 12:45 till 3:15. I'd love to do an office type job but can't really seem to find any part time weekend jobs in that area. I think with taking kids to school and nursery and after school clubs they do and holidays,sick days and school events I just dont see how its gonna be easy to juggle that all around without having to get a childminder or something, which I dont want to do. So anyway weekend work seems the easiest thing in retail probably, as my OH is home all weekend, however I'd wanna do at least 16hrs and to fit them hours in over sat and sun means losing alot of the weekend. Im only really going back for my sanity not just for money, so I was just wondering if people feel like they are missing out on 'family' time etc, is it forfilling or just a pain in the backside

Have you considered call centre type work? They usually have flexible working so that you could perhaps do 1 or 2 shifts in the evening during the week, plus either a Saturday or Sunday. Then transfer to a more admin type role once DS starts school

Alternatively, being a Parent helper at DDs school, could lead to a school TA or reception/office job (but obv you would not be earning as a voluntary helper).

HTH,

I hated working weekends I have to say. I work late evening instead now (8pm - midnight) which works out far better for me - DCs getting ready for bed when I leave so I don't miss anytime with them, but I get the whole weekend free to do the family thing. I only work three nights so it doesn't impact on my time with DH either really, in fact it's nice that he gets time alone at home to do whatever it is he wants (I have all day whilst the Dcs are in school)

Thanks, JGB, I've had a look for call centre work, doesnt seem to be much out there, plus Im not sure what sort of qualifications you need for that?
Yes I could go into the school for a few hours in the afternoon now DD is at nursery they dont mind parents coming in to help kids with reading but I think that bout it, I may investigate further.

Serenity, thats what would be ideal, a few evenings a week and maybe just a few hours at the weekend, retail wise, I can only really think of a supermarket thats open till midnight or 24 hrs that I could get that with as I couldnt start anywhere till at least 6:30pm, so only looking for jobs in sainsburys/tesco narrows my choices down a tad, can I ask where it is you work?
A job at a clothes store has come up locally to me for 16p/w as a stockroom assistant, but as they shut at 8pm in the evenings, I'd probably have too work the weekend, which is a shame as it sounds like a good job for me (I dont like to be to face to face with customers, been there done that, ;) would much rather be behind the scenes a bit more )

At the moment I work for IKEA, but before I worked here I worked late evenings in Sainsbury's, and prior to that I did evening shifts in a bar. It's probably easier for me though, as I live in London, and there's a lot of late opening/24hr places around here!

Thanks Serenity, yeh it seems late night supermarkets are my best option then, we have a few in my area so I'll have to hope something comes up.

Personally, I wouldn't get too much weekend work. You are with your Dc2 all week, but actually how much time will you really get with your eldest? Yes, you'll be there after school, but probably making tea, getting them ready for bed and so on... when will you actually get time to spend quality time together?

I think I would prefer perhaps to work fridays and Saturdays. So then your DD2 can go to the childminder for one morning a week, and then your DH can have the children on saturdays, and you all get Sundays together as a family.

I think its very noble that you want to avoid childminders and all that, but personally, I would be concerned that DC1 would be making the sacrifices for DC2s benefit. I'd rather use a childminder one day, so then you do get a decent day with both children. IYSWIM.

I hope that helps!