working shift work with 6 kids

[crazymum76]

Hi all need some advice i have been working shift work for about 1 year since then my kids are demanding alot more attention and playing up one is even getting profession help and i and depressed and going to councilling and have no emotional support and feel though i should give up work at the end of the financial year to give my children more attention. And as my husbands say we a 2 sail boats in the wind we dont even spend time together because of my work i either work 2pm till 11pm or 7.30am till 5pm mon-sun shifts which is on a monthly roster husband has a 7-5 job mon to fri i would love to give up work but i am worried about our finances we be struggling.
Is any else been in a simular situation?

[milliegirl]

Hi Crazymum,

I think the key is balance. It doesn't need to be an 'all' or nothing approach. Your current fulltime shift work is too demanding, so ideally you should aim for 4 days a week of work. That way the kids still get to see you half the time, and you aren't losing too much financially. You only have the kids for so long, so will have time when they are older and more independent to catch up financially. Hope this helps.

[Just Add Water]

I'd agree with the above... work out what you have to work so that you are not struggling each week but what still allows you to see your husband and your kids. That must be so hard for all of you, including you and your husband.

How old are your kids? Could you perhaps reduce your hours to during the day when he works?

[melbryan]

In sydney the govt offers in home care I have applied for it , it is for shift workers , people in rural areas, people with kids who have illness or 3 or more kids under school age. Maybe try the govt site it has info there and some phones numbers to ring.

I only work 2 days a week ahve 4 under 5 with one with a chronic illness so a bit of in home care woud be good so I can do some things without the kids .