Job help needed

I'm currently working part-time at a job I enjoy. A full-timer is retiring and they've offered me her spot. I have 3 small kids, ages 8, 6, and 3. I really enjoy the flexibility I have now with being able to get my kids from school and also having time for dr appts, errands, volunteering for the PTA etc. But a full-time job would be great because of extra money, paid vacation, adult interaction, and having something that's about me.

If you've been in this situation how hard was it to move to full-time? Was it a hard transition for your kids? It would be my older ones have to start in the aftercare program and my youngest would be at daycare 5 days instead of his current 3.

An opportunity like this won't come up for at least another four years until another full-timer retires...

Re: Job help needed

The ONLY thing I would take into consideration is how much more child care will cost you by taking this on (the extra daycare days for the little one and the aftercare costs for the older two) versus how much more you will be making.

Other than that, it does sound like a great opportunity for you.

Re: Job help needed

The other thing to consider is if you want to give up the time you have now in order to run errands, go to dr's appts etc... because once you work FT you will have to pretty much limit that to evenings or weekends. There is a woman who I work with that used to work PT, and recently moved to FT. She had Fridays off when she was PT and she said she really misses having that day to just get things done.

Re: Job help needed

I just went to full time and I hate it! I had to or lose my job so I had no choice.
Yes, the extra money is nice but I went from 30 hours to 40 hours so it isn't THAT much.
I hate not being able to do chores like clean the house, doctors, groceries on a day during the week.
I also had to move my hours from 8-4 to 9-5 and HATE getting home that late.
A four year wait time til the next opening isn't that long especially if you like your current job.

Re: Job help needed

I work full time and I would LOVE to work part time instead so I could have time during the week for errands, appointments and cleaning. Those things now have to be done in the evening or on weekends which takes away from spending time with my kids who I feel like I rarely see anyway because they're in daycare or aftercare. I also worry about how I will get them to activities and religion when the time comes. As it is now, they can't do any after school activities because of my schedule and that is when so many things take place. I would hold off for a few more years if it were me.

Re: Job help needed

Re: Job help needed

I would stick with the part-time. Flexibility is priceless when you have children. As they get older more activities happen.

Job help needed

my kiddo is all grown, now.

back when i was in your position, i chose a lot of self-inflicted "poverty" in exchange for the flexibility and freedom. those things are priceless when you have small kids.

if your family can live "well" without you having to go full time, i'd stay put.

Re: Job help needed

I worked part time for six years and have been full time now for the last two. I had no choice but to change and I hate it. If you do not desperately need the money, I wouldn't do it. Having the extra time with my kids and extra time to get things done are priceless imo.

Job help needed

Thanks for all the input. Some other details are that 2 days I would work 9-12 and then 5-9, so I would have a few daytime hours to do things. I also have to work one Saturday a month, but I get a Monday off in exchange. So many things to consider...

Re: Job help needed

That doesn’t sound like a bad schedule at all, but honestly, I made the switch last year and I miss working part time so much. Even once you get the standard childcare into play, it’s very stressful when you need BACKUP childcare for illnesses, etc. Your schedule sounds like there would be built in time to schedule dr appts around, go to the gym (not sure if this is your thing, but it’s mine, and I miss it terribly and less exercise has affected my mental health) which is great...so maybe in this case try it out. Can you go back to PT if it is too much? Do you have a grandma on standby or someone who can help out in a pinch? Good luck! It’s all so hard.

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Re: Job help needed

Yeah it’s kind of weird, but i work two nights now 5-9 so we’re used to it. Guess I should also mention that my commute is only 5 minutes.

Re: Job help needed

With the added info, I would take the job

Re: Job help needed