SAHM and ladies who who changed their career after children

Janepig

I'm not sure what arrangement you were going to enter into with your mum, but I know when one of my friends had her children, her mum gave up work to look after them (she worked in the local Co-op) and my friend made up her wages, which was less than childcare would have been. Have you thought of offering your mum something similar?

As others have said, many people look for teaching/teaching assistant type jobs when they have children as they get all the holidays, etc.. free with their children. The only down side I've seen with friends who work in schools, is that they tend to miss the stuff the kids do in the daytime, sports days, daytime concerts, that type of thing, as they can't get the time off during term.

I don't know how easy it is to get primary school teaching jobs in your area, but I know that around here they are like gold dust. So in some ways, although you might have to pay childcare costs for afew years, it may be worth it in order to keep your employment, iykwim. Although I'm not in the teaching profession, that's how I viewed the childcare costs I paid until my two started school. I'd never get a job like mine if I'd been a SAHM and came back into the job market.

Jx

flea72

a teacher at our primary school who has been in the profession for over 30yrs, is quitting to become a childminder, so she obviously thinks her work/life balance will be better away from teaching

but back to your situation. without your wage being taken into account, you say you cant afford a bigger mortgage, which then means you are unable to move. However, if you stay in the one bed flat, you wont be able to work as a childminder because most prospective users of your services, would be put off by the limited space

also how much do you think you would be able to earn as a childminder? depending on area, you could earn between £3-£5 p/h per child. so one child f/t over a month would earn you between £500 and £800 a month, before tax/Ni and overheads, so very little difference to working 3 days in your current position. although people tend to get into secondary school teaching, because they arent keen on younger kids, so would childminding really appeal?

your own child would be included in ratios, so this would mean you couldnt take any babies. most people look for long-term childcare and expect to use the same provider from baby til they start school, so this would cut out some of the market available to you. Although im sure an ex-teacher as a childminder, would hold some kudos

it is hard to reach a good balance. i worked 3 days a week until mine had all started school, as that way i got do the mummy thing, but also bring in a little much-needed cash.

F

mintymoneysaver

I'm a part time teacher, but I'm at the top of the scale so my pay is more than yours would be. However, your tax, NI are also a bit lower so you will get more than 0.6 of your current take home for 3 days. The holidays are fantastic when it comes to childcare, and even though 4 days brings in more pay than 3 it's less time to spend with your baby! It really is a good wage for a part time job, you probably wouldn't find one that paid much more, and child care/ nursery fees are only for a few years. I like part time teaching so much I'm still doing it now my kids are 18 and 15!
My friend does the same as the poster above suggested. She pays her mum a wage to mind her children, cheaper than childcare, but a fair amount for her mum. ( Plus she also gets her ironing done which is a big plus!)