The big decision has been made- Looking for full-time work

[Astrid]

Well things have moved on big time since my last thread about not having my heart in it.

We have made the huge decision for me to look for full-time work. A job has come up at DH's work that I am ideal for. It prompted me to look at our financial's and see just how much better off we would be from me working full-time. It is actually quite good, last year when I looked into it, it was just not worth it, but with one in school and only needed child care for one plus some after school care, it is affordable.

It is very daunting and exciting at the same time. If I get the job in question, or something similar, then we can really move forward in life. At the moment we are borderline, well really loss making to be truthful. A part-time job would be good lifestyle wise, it would take pressure off financially, but won't allow us to move forward with making something of our property.

I think it will be good for me. I worked part time last year and I enjoyed getting out. The kids were fine with the extra care (I was working up to 4 days for a couple of months). It was stressful and tiring, but we could finally afford to do things like go out to dinner and not have to stress about finding $600 to fix the car etc.

I know in the short while that our property will suffer, less time for the garden. Certainly less time for cleaning etc.

Probably wont have time for after school things, but hopefully after school care will fill that void. If anything it will be better for DD1, as she wants to do stuff out of the house, but just sits on her bum at home.

DD2 is my biggest concern. It took ages for her to settle into care when she first started. She was good last year when I was working, but her favourite carer was there and this year she is only there 1 day per week. Also this year she is saying that she does not want to go to childcare. It could make it harder on her, but then more care could make her better with it.

Gosh huge changes if I find a job. Better go and get that application in!

[StrawberryFields]

Good luck Astrid! Its hard out there - I've been looking for 18 months - but hopefully the job at DH's work comes through, then you could even save money on fuel by carpooling!

Is there any family who might be able to look after DD2 for you? Or close friends? My mum said I used to hate going to daycare when I was a toddler because I just didn't like the people, or the rules lol

[Danielle_NZ]

Awesome, and how exciting for you to be able to move forward in life...

My son goes to day, 3 days a week, and when we changed him to full time for 2 weeks recently he was alot more settled instead of the coming and going between home and daycare... perhaps starts her earlier than you intend to go back so you can give her shorter days while she eases into care.

Fingers crossed that the position at your DH's work comes though :-)

[Astrid]

Thought I would update this. I did not end up getting full-time work, but found a really good, family friendly hours, part-time role for 3-4 days per week. Having to deal with the concept of full-time, checking out care etc helped me get into the right headspace and then suddenly the right job pops up! Very happy right now (hoping saying that does not jinx anything)

[RhiChiChi]

Thought I would update this. I did not end up getting full-time work, but found a really good, family friendly hours, part-time role for 3-4 days per week. Having to deal with the concept of full-time, checking out care etc helped me get into the right headspace and then suddenly the right job pops up! Very happy right now (hoping saying that does not jinx anything)

Good on you Astrid! :-)

[Gigi]

that's great news Astrid. congrats.