What age for going back to work full time

ciderwithrosie_2

The way I looked at it was by the time they'd got home from school, it's 3.30 - 3.45pm, they'd come in, chuck their stuff down in the hall, go and get a drink and some biscuits, switch the TV on and veg for a bit. I'd get home by 5.30 and they'd usually still be lolling all over the furniture or may have graduated to playing on the computer or playstation, or DS3 might be drawing. So nothing too risky or dangerous. Anyway, their dad was only upstairs in bed (nightworker) if anything terrible happened, which it never did. I suppose I was lucky in that working opposite times we didn't have to pay for childcare and we had fairly sensible children who could be trusted to be left unsupervised for a couple of hours at a time.

cottonhead

I have a 6 year old and work 4 days a week just during school hours. Its fab in terms of not paying for childcare and being able to spend so much time with my little one. I wouldnt have it any other way and feel priveliged and so fortunate to have a job that has these hours. It doenst pay great money and is boring at times but you cant have everything. I am there to talk about her day and cook a nice meal. Sometimes we go on little adventures after school or snuggle and watch a film.The during the holidays I am about more to do stuff. There is also more time for housework and relaxing which is very important! She often tells me she is so glad she doenst go to a chidlminder. However every child is different.
I would find working full time just too stressful. Yes you can use childcare but there is a limit to what they can do. What about play dates and after school clubs ? What about all the school holidays ( and there are loads ) where you will have to find extra childcare. Your day will be so full on that I would only consider it if you are truly unhappy working part time. If your lack of career makes you resentful or really upset then that might impact on your parenting ability and it would be worth returing to work but otherwise I would say stay part time. They are only young for a short time.
I have thought ahead myself. I intend to start my own business soon so hopefully it will work around childcare still. However once my daughter is in secondary school I would consider working full time. having said that I would rather work part time and enjoy more free time. To me a career is no longer important. I do know many woman who do pick up their career or even make a new one and for those ladies it is when the kids start secondary school. Good luck and at least its great you have the choice and a supportive husband. If would be a lot worse if money or a strict partner forced you to make a decision that upset you.

pleasedelete

I have a professional job and earn a pretty decent amount of money. I suppose I was successful quite young and I am at least 10 if not 20 years younger than my peers. I worked even when my children were young. Today friends who left work moan about how they didn't progress, how they can't get jobs, how lucky I am etc etc

It isn't luck. It was a choice. I chose a career. I missed out on things in my children's lives. It was my choice. I don't regret it but it is not for everyone. At one point I paid out more on childcare and travel than I earnt.

On the plus side I aim to retire at 55. Life is about choices and only you know what is best.

kezza1234

Only you can answer what is right for your family and for you. I've been back in full time work for just over a month, with my little ones (4yo and 2yo) happily left with childminder. I pay a large portion of my wage to the childminder, but the money left over does make a massive difference. I know that for me and my family me going back to work was absolutely the right choice, and I hope you can find the surety in your decisions too.

Lunar_Eclipse

Dunroamin wrote: »

That outlook's fine on a short term basis but if it's going to be the kiss of death to 25 years of a career, you need to take a longer term view.

Totally agree with you, although if we really consider the long term it pays to think about how few people value a 25 year career whilst on their death bed.

I also think people tend to have several mini careers these days and reinvention into different areas, through personal development, is the norm (that can work well with spending time at home to raise children.)

bossymoo

I'm pt at the moment, but then mine are not even in school yet. Can't imagine going back full time, which I did before I had my eldest I'd just be exhausted I think.

Only you know your family and whether it would work or not. Nothing is forever!

ska_lover

Ahh women, we never get it easy in this situation do we? You are damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

OP,do what is right for you. You are in a very fortunate position to have the choice. Finacially you don't have to.

Why not apply, and see where you get - you still don't have to make your mind up unless they offer you the job

Good luck

sunshinetours

ska_lover wrote: »

Ahh women, we never get it easy in this situation do we? You are damned if you do, and damned if you don't.

OP,do what is right for you. You are in a very fortunate position to have the choice. Finacially you don't have to.

Why not apply, and see where you get - you still don't have to make your mind up unless they offer you the job

Good luck

I do agree with that - choice is everything at the end of the day and its nice to have, as not everyone does.

pinkclouds

JodyBPM wrote: »

If I wait til the children are secondary school age, I will be mid forties, and that feels a bit too late for me.

Husband will be supportive, whatever I decide, but tbh he thinks I won't be happy working full time yet.

If that's the answer in your heart and your husband has got your back, either way you call it, then you don't need us to tell you what to do!

My mom didn't go back to work until her youngest child finished primary school. We liked having her at home for us. However, this is about what suits your family, not mine. I would not advocate going full time at this stage but I'm not you. If it doesn't work out... you could always quit the job. It's not a "set in stone" decision!

kj*daisy

Give it a go, if you don't like working full time you can always see if they will let you work part time, or stop work again.