To return to work or not- still can't decide!!

[Metalgoddess]

I have spent months wondering whether to return to work or not and still none the wiser. I am a nurse for the NHS working 3days a week, 22.5 hrs and do random shifts, early, evenings and nights. I have 2 children, ds aged 5 and currently on mat leave with my 9mo.

I could financially give up work but things would be tight. I am lucky to not pay childcare bills as family help out. However if I return to work we are much more comfortable and it gives us options with regards to moving house or buying out house outright to 100'% owmership( it's shared ownership property) I am panicking already about going back and missing out on time with my children and feel guilty at having my parents provide childcare however due to shifts and the cost it wouldn't be possible any other way.

The other option is to request to do 2 days per week. I worry about the effect on my pension if I give up work and worry about gettin another job that provides as good conditions as the NHS. However I have absolutely loved being at home with the children and it makes me very happy. Anyone any experience or opinions on this?

[Babyroobs]

Hi. I am a nurse too and have 4 kids, when the last was born I had 4 under 7 ! After the last I went back 2 days a week which was manageable, I tried to work weekends and nights so that I could be around for school pick ups and drop offs. I was lucky to have grandparents helping a bit and a flexible childminder who didn't mind if my shifts changed each week. It was hard when they were little but now they are all at school and it is much easier. I do between 22.5 and 30 hours a week now and although I get very tired with the shift patterns and I feel I miss out quite a bit on weekend stuff, I am so glad that I managed to keep working. I too worry about pension contributions as I ahve a few gaps in my NHS pension due to working abroad and doing a full time degree pre-kids.

[LightAFire]

If at all possible, the part time option might give you the best of both worlds? Money coming in, time with children, plus maintaining job. Good luck!

[janey68]

Tbh you've managed to keep your career going through having your first child, so to me, it would seem a bit like throwing in the towel when the light is at the end of the tunnel. Your eldest is in school, your younger one will be following in her footsteps so it makes sense to keep going part time which gives you the best of both worlds. As you say, it could be tough to get back into a decent job later

[Metalgoddess]

Yes I think it best to keep working but the trouble is with reducing to 2 days from 3 is I'm not guaranteed to get them back so might be stuck on 2 days ( although so long as we are getting by financially then that wouldnt bother me lol) I can always do bank nursing on top of that to increase my hrs although where possible I don't ever plan on working more than 22-30 hrs.

It might sound daft but somehow psychologically 2 days seems much more manageable to me than 3 days?!

[margaritathatcher]

I would go back on 3 days if I were you. If it doesn't work then drop down to two or give up.

I stepped off my career ladder a year or so ago to try something different and i'm struggling to get back on. Have resorted to applying for jobs that are paying salaries I was on 15 years ago.

There are very few employers who offer the flexibilty, pay and pension that you can earn as a nurse in the NHS. Slightly wish I was a nurse myself...