not sure what to do

jackie_w

Hi there,

Ive got a bit of a dilemma and not sure what to do.

at the moment, I work for my husband 2 days a week, he is a self employed engineer, and work is starting to dry up.
We are lucky enough to have savings which should the worse happen, would last us a couple of years.

I used to work for an insurance firm,(i left them in April 2006) I worked for then for 17 years, and left when my youngest was 1 year old (It was getting too much for me to manage the full time work, childcare and running the home, my husband had just started up his business and was working roughly 15 hours per day, and my work wouldnt/couldnt reduce my hours to part time).
Anyway, today, they have called me to ask if I would like to work for them on a part time basis.

It is tempting particulary as DH's work is very quiet. I would be going back doing a job I know (would need to be trained for all up to date changes) with people and bosses I know, but, on the other hand im thinking ive got enough savings to live off of for a couple of years, so, hopefully dh's work would pick up. so then the job could go to someone else, but, my old boss has said she would really like it if i came back.

ive quickly spoken to my DH, he says its up to me, but, he would rather I didnt. Ive told him that I would work for him 2 days per week, and do the other work 2 days per week.

I dont know what to do. Any ideas?

Jackie

Krystaltips

I would take the other job tbh... In this current climate you don't know what's around the corner or how long savings could last... If you think you could do this job and still fit in work for your husband then it's always worth a go. If it doesn't work out then at least you tried...

belfastgirl23

What is your DH's objection? Is he worried that it would all be too much for you? And what are your childcare options?

In principle I agree with Krystaltips though, I would certainly be looking to spread the risk around a bit. And it does mean that you are keeping your skills up too which to me is pretty important, it means if all else fails you can be the breadwinner...

Alikay

Sounds like a good opportunity - you know the job, know the people, it's part-time - the only problem is your OH not wanting you to take it. Decent part-time jobs are really hard to come by at the moment (have been looking for a while myself) - if I were you I'd have a talk with your DH and find out why he's not keen, and then reassure him and take the job!

mrcow

Go for it.

Give it a try. You have nothing to lose and it could provide an extra branch of financial security for you both. You may well enjoy it too.

If it doesn't work out, then at least you'll know you tried it out.

jackie_w

Hi everyone,

many thanks for your replies. I thnk my husband doesnt want me to work there again because they arent very "family friendly". The bosses are really lovely people, but, they are a bit old fashioned when it comes to taking time of with regards to looking after the children if they are ill etc. they kind of make you feel bad if you take time off.

When I worked there before and I was struggling with everything when Dh was setting up his business, I asked them if I could change my working hours from 9.30 - 4.30 (my proper hours were 9.30 - 5.30), and they said they couldnt actually change my working hours, but, would take the time off my holidays!!!! My mum was looking after my youngest, and there was one time when she was ill, so for a couple of days I had to take time off to look after my son, and when i went back, one of the bosses called me into her office to say she had been looking at nurserys for my child because she didnt think my mum was very reliable!!!!!
I think my boss meant well, but, I was a bit miffed that she called nurserys on my behalf without consulting me. it wasnt long after that that I handed in my notice.

dont get me wrong, if my husbands work wasnt quieting down, I wouldnt even be considering going back. I really dont know what to do. Another reason why my husband doesnt want me to go back is because they will be paying me the minimum wage and he doesnt think it will be worth it, but, I on the other hand think every little helps.

Jackie

Fly_Baby

jackie_w, I would go for a job. Full stop.

Apart from every other reason that you have stated, your husband might be just a bit (or not a bit) jealous that he was not going to be the only breadwinner any more. And I'd assume it is always nicer to have your wife work for you (i.e. under you) rather than let her go off on her own. I apologise if I don't have a clue here and your husband is really nothing like that.

You said in your original post that you had worked for an insurance company - I assume it's the same firm that's asking you back now? And an insurance company is only paying the minumum wage?

RedBern

If they're keen for you to go back - make sure it is on your terms. I'd take it - in today's financial climate - and just build up your savings. Negotiate your hours with them - they only want part time anyway - so make sure it is to your advantage re the hours you work. If they want you - they'll agree and if not - well nothing lost.

Mutter_2

I'd say thanks but no thanks.
You have 17 years experience with the same company and were so successful that they have asked you back -- on minimum wage.

With your experience could you work from home in the same field?

You say that if it were not for the current climate, you wouldn't consider it ,plus as you are ok financially for two years, stay at home.
If you have to pay for childcare, it's hardly worth going out for.
I made the mistake of returning when invited back to an old job, it just wasn't the same the second time around.

jackie_w

Thanks again those of you who have replied.

Im stiull going to have a think about it. i will obviously have to speak to my husbands business partners wife, as at the moment we work different days every week, we just work round each other, so she might not be too keen on working the same days every week, so I have that to consider.

Childcare wont be a problem, my youngest is at nursery anyway on a Thursday and Friday so, if I was going back, I would be asking to work these days. The other days I work my mum would look after him.

the minimum wage thing gets me too, i mean I worked really really hard before, and to think they are taking me back on a minimum wage is a bit hurtful, but, I suppose, they are only doing what any other company would do, and as my Dh is self employed with employees, I cant really complain because he can do the same.

Im not sure if I want to lose out on some time with my youngest. I missed out with my oldest boy, and I feel so priviliged to be able to stay at home with my youngest.

I will just have to seriously think about it.

Jackie xx

liney

I would say to your old boss "In order to consider working for some one else again, i would have to be offered an attractive package"

You don't need them, but they obviously need an experienced person like yourself for them to have contacted you, and also to have offered you part time hours as they know your circumstance. If they say they can't offer anything more then you haven't lost anything. You don't mention what you used to earn, but you could get basic admin/data entry/reception for more than miniumum wage.