Work/home life balance....

Sorry all but I kinda had to post this somewhere. I know no one can make a decision for me, a lot of this is really talking out loud though any thoughts would be appreciated!

I recently had just over 6 weeks off work on sick leave and only went back 2 weeks ago on a graduated return. One good result is that I got taken off the horrible shifts I was doing (starting work at 3.30am) and I'm now on our full time day roster so I only work Monday to Friday with weekends and public holidays off.

The problem is now I'm kinda feeling like I want to be home more. Work part time, have Maddie in day care part time and be home the rest of the time.

I'm kind of confronted with a couple of problems though. The big one of course is the drop in money. Wouldn't be pleasant even with Maddie's reduced day care hours.

But also Maddie adores day care so would she be happy at home?

And I was relieved to get back to work a year ago and felt like I wasn't cut out to be at home so why do I think a second try would be any different??

I really don't know what I should do!!!!???

Does anyone have any thoughts?

I possibly could, I guess I'm nervous about asking for more shift changes even though work has been amazing with rehabilitating me and helping me get back to work. plus I've changed shifts a lot since going back to the call centre. I'm such a chicken!

Edited by Paws

Do you think it's just pre-Christmas holidays depression? I had a bit of a low about working away from my home/family last week but it's only seven weeks until Christmas so I figure I'll manage!

It's definitely very hard to juggle work and family commitments. I wouldn't stress about reducing your DD's hours at daycare because she will probably enjoy being with you at least as much and settle into whatever new routine easily. Money is always a big thing but sometimes you just have to settle on what you will be happy with, for the positive of spending more time "investing" into your children.

My 2c worth anyway But that's why I take 1/2 hr at lunch and go home at 4pm.

Hey hon. Def worth thinking thru.....you know I only work part time and wouldn't dream of doing fulltime with the kids and all. Being a working mum is a hard job, I always feel like I don't manage to give 100% to either work or the kids - I can only imagine that full time would be worse. I think parttime is a good compromise, 3 days a week at work still leaves over half the week with family/home.
We should get together and have a natter over a coffee sometime soon.

Hugs

No advise, but big 's from us.

Not sure I can be of help. I work part-time and I do think it is the best balance for us but it can be tough. Your mind is split between 2 things all the time. The odd occassion I have worked more hours, I find I can keep work at work and home at home but when I go to a 50/50 split, I feel constantly torn in 2 directions...as though neither role is getting quite enough attention.

I do find part-time work to be best for us though...Elle loves the variety but also has plenty of Mummy time.

I think every family is different though and with everything, there are different seasons.

All the best for your decision making.

Paws, have you taken into account a possible rise in WFF if you go down to part-time hours and possible increase in child care subsidy?
I know with us those two dropping actually made us worswe off when Lewis got a higher paying job!