Hmm...do I put myself through it again?

[ss_storm]

DF bought the local paper today and I was just having a glance through the classifieds. There are three ads for jobs that are in my field (had finished a cert III in business admin a few months before I fell pg with DD and was working at the local council doing admin).

one is customer service at the local council. good pay, but it's full time.
One is 17 hours a week, not sure where, but they are after someone with experience in things I don't have (like payrolls, cash handling, bookkeeping). I do the bookwork for DF's IT/towing business but I wouldn't be that confident saying I'm experienced and capable of doing it for someone else!
The last one is 4 hours a day/3 days a week working as an assistant to the manager (not sure if it is the office manager or the manager of the whole business) for a transport/logging company. this is probably the one I would be most interested in.

I guess the thing is, at the moment I like my freedom. Although I sometimes feel like I'm always in Groundhog Day mode I like that I don't have to get up, get dressed and quickly start the day so I can rush off to work, DD & I can do whatever, whenever. I'd have to worry about childcare, DF works from home but is on call 24/7 because of the towing and because it's unpredictable he couldn't really look after her. I don't know how much it would cost, or even if there are places available here, and then would my potential paypacket cover daycare. If it doesn't, or if there isn't a whole lot leftover afterwards then there is no point working at all...whilst I feel like I need to be doing something apart from being a mum, I don't want to spend time away from home/DD if there isn't a significant financial gain. I have a few things i'd like to do in the way of crafts/sewing and when I get some time maybe try selling them to make a bit of extra money, but I don't feel like I HAVE to have a job ITMS. We are going ok for money, so it isn't like we need the extra, but would be handy to have for my own spending money, to help pay off my personal loan faster and put some away for savings.

I dunno..seems like too good an opportunity to miss, but I haven't worked in a bit over 12 months, I hate interviews and starting all over again, but it's probably not very often that a suitable job would become available in this smallish town. DF will probably just say "do whatever you want' but I don't really know what I want!

[PollyA]

Hey,
Why not give it a go, You'll never know if you don't try.
As far as child care, everyone is eligible for 50% Child care rebate and then depending on your income you might get some more help so it should be financially viable, especially if it were only a couple of days a week

I find my days with my babies are so much more enjoyable because of my days away. Not to say I don't feel like crying when I leave them but I think its a great life and I would definitely advise you to try it out
If after a month or two it feels wrong you could stop, but don't make rash decisions in the first couple of weeks, give it a real chance.
I also like knowing that I can get that haircut or top without worry
Good luck with your decision

[ladybird11]

I would weigh up child care costs - if they will outweigh what you will earn then I'd be hesitant to go back to work.

In saying that if you really have the urge to get back 'amongst it' in paid employment then I'd go for it hun.

[MamaPan]

Hi SS
What did you end up doing. IMO apply and see where it goes - at the least it is good exp to put yourself back out there. 4 hrs 3 times a week is pretty doable and you may enjoy being back...
FDC could be a good care option so you dont have to pay for full days if you arent using them.

[Kazbah]

I reckon apply. You were looking at the classifieds for a reason, you've got an education, and you're smart! Use your skills, and if it gets you and DF ahead a bit, give you all a bit of breathing space financially, then what's to lose?