Lisa this is a catch 22 question. Unfortunately I don't think anyone can answer except you.

We are in a similar situation, living paycheck by paycheck and usually by the time we've done shopping, paid rent, paid bills and gotten petrol for 2 cars, we are left with a very, very small amount for the rest of the fortnight.

I'm sad to say this but I think for you and for me and for just about every mother, no matter what decision is made there will always be some regret for making that choice.

I personally think that the hours you mentioned are huge and I don't think I could jump straight from nothing back to those sort of hours.

For me I will need to ease back into the workforce by working (hopefully) 2-3 full days or 5 part days a week. I know beyond any doubt that I'm not ready for full time work.

Before Jazz was born I thought that I would be ready to work full time again when I went back to work, but I know now that just isn't so. If you are ready to do that then good on you and I wish you the best of luck.

One thing though, no one has the right to judge whatever decision is made. We each have to do what is right for our situation and our family. No one else knows what's best for your family, unfortunately often we ourselves don't even know what's best, but we do know better than anyone else.