[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.

[2bundles]

For me it was adult company, job satisfaction, and the thought of financially contributing.

Can you ask for one more year off without pay as a compromise? 2 days a week is a great balance. I assume you can also do fairly short days if you are working in a school?

[Miss 50s]

I don't really want another year off so if I was going back I'd go back next year. The hours are 8.30-4.30 - same as a regular office except I get the holidays off which is a great perk!

[flushthetoilet]

The excuse to buy some new clothes.

[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.

[lozoodle]

If you enjoy it, its worth it. No matter what the $ amount. It all helps and if you like your job its a good idea to hang onto it as your kids wont be small forever

[BetteBoop]

Now I know that's crap money but it is something. It could buy the groceries (minus nappies ) though and every little bit helps. 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.

I would keep the job, for all the reasons you listed.

Finding a decent job 2 days a week is very, very difficult. If you have one, hold onto it!

[PurpleChicken]

Money was a major factor for us, but also I didn't want to be a SAHM. I was an emotional wreck and struggled to keep DD entertained during the day so going back to work was a bit of a sanity saver for me.

Mind you, I had to go back FT, which wasn't what I really wanted, but it has worked out well.

If I were you, I'd take the 2 days a week. Keep your foot in the door, get some personal time (even if it is at work) and the kids are kept entertained all day while at DC. Also, the 10 weeks holidays a year would be worth keeping!

ETA: I totally agree with PP that finding a great 2 day/week job that you love is damn near impossible. I tried to find a PT job for months with no luck.

This post has been edited by PurpleChicken: 14/03/2012, 09:51 AM

[Rumply]

I think you are in a good position, as a PP said, working in a school, part time hours... KEEP IT!! Especially if you love it.

Financially it might not make you rich, but it covers the cost of child care, with a little extra pocket money... which you wouldn't have otherwise. And it will put you in a good position for when you children do start school.

My DS LOVES day care... he has developed really well there, so I wouldn't dream of taking him out.

[EmmaBlue]

I agre with the PPs - Childcare isn't forever, you love your job, you get great holidays.... gives you more options for later too!

At the very least give it a try and see how you go! GOOD LUCK!!!!