Return to Job to get mortgage or get new job so house move takes longer?

sjlbates

Hi, I wonder if anyone can give me their thoughts on my dilemma.

My current employer refused my flexible hours request (currently on maternity leave) and I have not appealed. I have to go back full time or not return. Also we (includes husband and daughter) need to move to a bigger house, (have a mortgage) which means relocating 20 miles away to a cheaper area and nearer family. My husband is prepared to commute so he can stay in same job.

So should I:

1. Return full time to job I HATE, look for a house, sort out mortgage and as soon as house is exchanged give notice.

I know my employer is hoping I don't return as said in passing that I would only want to work part time. I think if I tell them I am returning alarm bells will be ringing as will know I would only be back temporary. But that's their fault for not offering me part time hours!! Also the house hunt could go on for months and I will be missing out on my baby growing up and spending a fortune in childcare costs.

2. Find a part time now (need to give employer 2 month notice) and once past the probation period start looking for a house.

Very doubtful I will find a job so soon (took me 18 months to get current job).

Maternity leave ends in April so have till February to hand in notice. However, would it matter if I didn't give the 2 months notice, as they have someone covering me since I left and they will have no problem finding a replacement? What could happen if I said to a new employer I could start immediately and just said to my current employer I'm not returning? I've only received SMP (monthly payments finish in January).

3. I have a 'flexible' hours job as a health care assistant (been working for 9 years for agency, ad hoc as second job). I could work for them as much as I want, quit current job, and carry on looking for a part time (contract) job, then find house.

I have checked with mortgage lender - as I don't have a contract with this job, it is not seen as a stable regular job so will not lend more money on the basis that this became my main job (as I could easily do as many hours as I wanted).

I could end up looking for a new job while doing the health care assistant job for months and months whilst outgrowing the house very fast...

What are your thoughts? Is there another option I could think about doing instead? Anything I have not considered??

With many thanks

claret_mike

Do you need to sell?

Is it on the market?

What is stopping you look now. I think going back into job market and applying for a mortgage is more risky than staying in current role and getting everything sorted and then making changes necessary with employment.

I fully understand missing out on growing up but that's life - we have a 4mth old at the moment and my wife will be returning to work when they are 9mths. She has negotiated working full time hours over 4 days (8-5:15 with 30mins lunch) so she has weekend and 1 day in week with them. Has this been explored so win-win with employer and you?

sjlbates

claret_mike wrote: »

Do you need to sell?

Is it on the market?

What is stopping you look now. I think going back into job market and applying for a mortgage is more risky than staying in current role and getting everything sorted and then making changes necessary with employment.

I fully understand missing out on growing up but that's life - we have a 4mth old at the moment and my wife will be returning to work when they are 9mths. She has negotiated working full time hours over 4 days (8-5:15 with 30mins lunch) so she has weekend and 1 day in week with them. Has this been explored so win-win with employer and you?

As I'm on maternity leave and not sure what to do with job I don't want to start looking until we know what we are definitely doing. No the house is not on the market and yes we do need to move in the next 12 months. Can't negotiate full time hours as want me in every day.

claret_mike

Would you consider renting in the new area for 6-12 months before buying?

If so, have you considered, putting on market now and if you sell before you return to work then you can quit or if you can afford, you can still quit and just work your other job and wait for the sale to happen.

Once in the new area, if you rent a big enough house, you can take your time to find the right house, be a better buyer as no chain and you can allow your new job to become established when you have found one. This will look better to a mortgage lender.

If you are not prepared to rent then I would seek to find part time work now in the area where you have family and look to go straight there. Hopefully by the time your home sells and you have found another you will be out of probation period.

If I have understood correctly, your current job is not really that important to you paying bills so if you are not wanting to rent, I would focus on job hunting and commuting to the area you want to be on a part time basis asap so you are in a position to buy when you sell.

What is difficult is if your house sells quickly or if it stagnates for beyond 12 months. I have no idea of how the market is in your area etc.

Thrugelmir

Why the immediate requirement for a bigger house? You could make do for a year to 18 months. During that time build up more equity in your existing property. You have a flexible job to fall back on. So you have the ability to earn money. Also would save your husband travel costs and time.

Prothet_of_Doom

Need ? and want ? Define what you all want, and define what you and your family need. and then try and figure out the short term and long term plan.

Let me start. You WANT a bigger house. Your child NEEDS the best nurturing you and your husband can give. You NEED not to be doing a full time job you hate. Your husband Needs not to be comuting any further than necessary. You want to be closer to family.

ethank

Did you HATE you job before or after they refused your request for part time hours? If you hated your job before hand, why would you want to return?

There is no automatic right to work part time in this country, and many parents are faced with the same dilemma you have whether to return to work full time or spend more time with their children.