Working Mummies Support Group #2

[Jaycee]

I'm not one for socialising either Astrid, so I feel your pain. I'm also in a company that has had numerous redundancies over the past couple of years, and it doesn't appear to be over. DH also works for the same company so it gets scary sometimes to think we could both be out of a job!

On a personal note, I'm really struggling to cope with the work/life balance thing at the moment. I work 4 days a week, with a 1 hour commute each way by the time I drop the boys off to school / childcare, or my mum's who is wonderful and has my boys 3 days out of the 4! I'm out of the house a minimum of 10 hours a day, sometimes u to 12, and that's tough on me and my beautiful boys.

I'm alway time poor, when I get home the priority is dinner and showers for the boys. Most weeks I forget to help DS1 with his reading/homework at least 1 or 2 days a week, that makes me feel like the world's worst mum because his education should be my number one priority! I struggle with the housework, DS1 is always sad on OHSC days (but is always happy when I pick him up, it's just getting him there that's the problem). I hate being so far away from DS1 when he's at school and I'm at work

Well, that feels a little better getting this off my chest. I've been desperately looking for a job closer to home with more suitable hours, however' they're very scarce and when the opportunities come up, the market is flooded with applicants.

[MummyNaomi]

I'm also in a company that has had numerous redundancies over the past couple of years, and it doesn't appear to be over. DH also works for the same company so it gets scary sometimes to think we could both be out of a job.

Same Jaycee, except I am being made redundant and eventually it's likely my DH will too. It's becoming more and more obvious the company we work for has no plans to keep a presence in Adelaide, I just hope I get sorted with a new job before DH is impacted.

[MummyNaomi]

Okay, so I've decided to take control of an uncontrollable situation. There is an internal role going that I would be perfect for. Its the same pay, doing core hours, no longer managing people (this is appealing to me) and its more of a project/campaign role - lots of analysis, developing campaigns, engaging staff to deliver etc etc - my forte and stuff I'm brilliant at. It's at the same location I currently am, but its full time. Being that I've just gone full time until the redundancy kicks in and the reality of finding a part time gig externally paying the money I currently earn is low, its a compromise I can deal with. While I know that there is risk of future redundancy a few years down the track, it potentially gives me security and flexibility in the interim until my youngest starts school, no long commute, family friendly hours, with the potential for work from home opportunities (some of this team already do this part of the time). Project and non customer facing roles have a higher likelihood of redundancy, but if I was made redundant in a few years time, I'd be no worse off than I am now. AND I'd have a whole new skill set and experience to add to my resume! All of a sudden I'm excited again.

Based on where we are in our life now, family/work life balance is a very high priority, this gives me the opportunity to maintain that. The negative - It means more childcare hours for DD which isn't ideal, but being that I am right across the road and our commute is only 10 mins its minimised as much as possible.

Applications close Monday. My cover letter and resume is done, just getting it proof read etc before submitting and have emailed the Manager of this role hoping to catch up Monday for a coffee to chat about the role..... Wish me luck!!

[wysiwyg]

Good luck MN - sounds like great opportunity. As you know I have thought about going full-time - and if I could find a role only 10 mins away it would become a favorable
option - especially once only have one in child care. I know several people who have done what you are proposing, getting made redundant and then moving to another role within the company - and it is worked out well for all of them (some have been made redundant further down the line but that has still been ok for them).

[Astrid]

Good Luck MN. Sounds like it could work well for you.

[Kazbah]

Hi ladies

wow ... gotta love outsourcing don't you (although my company calls it out-tasking).

MN - good luck. I hope you get the short commute.

Astrid - socialising sux.

Jaycee - the commute sux does'nt it. I find that I'm ok with the commute, but the kids and DH aren't. Doh.

Me - still waiting for them to finish all the interviews to see if I make the next round. In the meantime, I've been "peeled" across to another manager, which means I get to concentrate on my passion for the moment. Hoping to hear soon if I get the next round of interviews. AEGH!!!!!!!!

[wysiwyg]

I suspect after first day in new job tomorrow I will be joining the 'commuting sux' club - but as I have low expectations of the commute it can only be better than expected - maybe it will mean I have to buy myself a folding bike! :-)

Need to get myself back into 'work' mode - but tonight have been too annoyed by our dumb neighbors - hopefully a cup of chamomile tea - will chill me out.