[Miss 50s]

I woke up in the wee hours of this morning and couldn't get back to sleep so started thinking about everything as you do and going back to work in the New Year came into my head. I was only working 2 days a week prior to going on Mat Leave and clearing after tax around $1300 so around $300 a week for the 2 days. Daycare would cost me for the 2 kids $150 a day so $300 for the 2 days and we would get the 50% back (not eligible for the other payment). So I'd come out with $150 a week working 2 days 8.30-4.30.

Now I know that's crap money but it is something. It could buy the groceries (minus nappies ) though and every little bit helps. My DP works away for 2 weeks at a time and is back for a week so juggling the 2 kids and work and everything by myself would be tough but loads of women do it. The main thing is though that I love my job. It's working admin in a school - just basic stuff but I love the school environment and the kids plus I get 10 weeks hols a year so that $300 a week is spread over those weeks too.

So WDYT? Even though the money is not there would you go back? I'm thinking more of keeping a foot in the door for when the kids are older. It's the school they will be going too as well so that would be ideal.

[Julie3Girls]

You have a job in a school, with school holidays off. KEEP IT!!!!!!

Childcare is only for a few years. Might seem like a lot now, but it's amazing how quickly the time goes and suddenly you have kids at school and you are having to worry about vacation care etc. Working in a school, would there even be the option of spreading your hours over more days, but shorter days (once the kids are at school)?

Oh, and it's not just $300 a week - it's also money going into your superannuation. 2 days a week, you might still qualify for some FTB as well.