Decision on whether to go back to work

[pthalokitty]

Hi-
I may be about to get a really good job with great money and I am not sure if it is the right thing to do for our son, and wanted to see if any of you who have gone back can give a little advice? We have our first mortgage, and with only one income are finding it tough to get everything paid, and save enough for a emergency backup. I've stayed home with my son for the last 2.5 years, and am worried how he will be in care fulltime. He goes to Family daycare 2 days now and sometimes an extra day with grandparents which will go to 3 days if I take the job. I am expecting some acting out etc, but am worried we will lose the closeness we have now. Also that I won't be available to him except after work and weekends. The alternative is I study teaching at uni p/t which will finish around school age but no g/tee of work (art major)...if i did get a job this way though, it will be more child friendly...
Anyone who can advise from the perspective of f/t corporate work or being a teacher?
This is incredibly difficult as on one side I'm hanging out to be an adult again, but worry the gloss will wear off quickly once I do it a while, and that it will be our family that will suffer, even though it is the right move financially...help!:banghead:

[LouLou]

Hi,
I guess only you know the answer to the question about whether work is right for you or not.
There is no doubts financial strains are one of the biggest any family will face (2 income versus 1 etc)
Returning to work has a lot or pro's and cons whether it be full-time or part-time.
When I made my decision to return to work - I made it will be full awareness and stipulation (to myself and my husband) that if it was not right for us all as a family then I would stop.
I have friends who would not and do not wish to work until their children are at school and some never again (all with great jobs pre children) and I have friends who work part-time and love it and some that hate it.
Personally I love working part-time - for me it has given me some "sane time", provided additional income to our family and I find I am a better mum because of it as it as it provides me with a creative and enjoyable time just for me....This may or not be the case for you.
It is such a personal decision and it may or may not work for you, and you and your partner need to discuss all aspects - including who is doing what when (ie collecting your child, cooking meals, washing etc) because going back to work does not mean you need to be supermum......
You need to look at the big picture too - Don't live life with regrets, but at the same time no-one ever lay on their death bed wishing they had earned more money or spent more time at work

[pthalokitty]

thanks lou lou-
there is no right or wrong answer, and no perfect solution...I just have to decide what we need the most right now....thanks for your input...
em xxoo

[draught]

Tough decision Em.
My experience of working part time has been a positive one - my girls are happy with their carer and I am happy that our relationship hasn't suffered. Like all of these things I think that how successful it all is depends on what you want from it all and what you put into it. You are right - there are no right decisions and no wrong ones - you can make anything work for you with a bit of time and planning.

Hope you find the solution that fits your family!