I have recently returned to work - a mix of full-time and part-time depending on the week - I only have childcare for children three days a week but got my mum over from the UK to cover the other two days as I am only on a five month contract so the solution is half doable. The first couple of weeks before mum arrived hard - I have to get the kids to day care for about 7:40 and then get public transport to work to start around 8:45-8:50. DH does the pick up as he finishes at 16:30 so the kids get home about 5:40 ish and me about 6:00 if I get a good run home. With mum here is a bit easier as she does pick up and drop off most days but she is off to Darwin for a month next week for a break and to see my grandma - we only have a two bed flat so she is sharing with kids so is pretty intense. DS sometimes wakes and she has been resettling him if is quick but otherwise I am doing it. The weeks where I have worked full-time are hard, I feel like I never see them, and have had to go to Sydney twice once was away 3 days 2 nights - the three days a week are not so bad, but I still feel so so tired but am having more difficulty sleeping than I normally do.

I actually really enjoy the work, far more than I thought I would , I was a bit down in the dumps before (took me three months to find anything), and if a teleporter existed to get me too and from work in zero time and was definitely only 3 days a week - would be really good. I am getting more exercise as can cycle, or walk part of the journey, work do a bootcamp in the park one lunchtime, and I love the free fruit, and free good coffee, and the chatting without interruption.

DH has always cooked up meals for freezer for his lunch - so now is just doing the same for me and we have a smaller meal in the evening which works well. If I haven't worked a day I make enough for a couple of meals and restack the freezer. When mum isn't here the house is a shambles but never was that great anyway.

What I am struggling with really is that it isn't really giving us any financial benefit because of childcare fees and this is with only 3 days a week in CC - it would be alot more with 5 days, and I worry that after this contract I will have to do that. I never wanted to have to have them in fulltime CC especially the long days they do - but worry it will be my only option. People often say "must be great to have some money" but really isn't giving us much after the fees - I suppose I am doing it because I fear ability of being able to renter the workforce if I stay at home for longer.

Is anyone else in this position? Working but probably would be better off short-term at least if didn't?