I have a 2.5yo DD and am a single mum due to unforeseen circumstances. I love my daughter to bits and despite wanting to be a SAHM, I simply cannot afford it, so I went back to work just after 6 months.
My dilemma is, I am currently a shift worker, on a 24-7 rotational roster, and have an interview to go on a 8-4, Mon-Fri roster with the same company. If I get the position, it is a major pay cut (over $10,000 per annum). I know money isn't everything and my DD is only little once, but if I take this position, there is no going back and I love my current job - it's just the hours that suck.
Care isn't a problem, since I have an excellent support network of family and friends.
I just don't know - should I sacrifice my career happiness/financial security, for a better life/work balance but struggle monetarily? Seems like a first world problem, but if anyone has been in a similar situation and has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Work/Life Balance
Work/Life Balance
Posted in:
Parenthood Guilt
3 Replies
I think there are a lot of things to take into account.
Kids are every age only once, having a kid isn't a sprint it is a marathon. So you have to do what makes the most long term sense for your family. They need you at every age its just they don't need there noses and bums wiped!
What I read from your post is that you love your current career (which a lot of people wouldn't be able to say) and that care for your little one isn't an issue in your current job. Why change something that works for you? Don't do it out of guilt!
Money is by no means everything but struggling financially is stressful and depressing and can take its toll. If you are happy and your daughter is happy and well cared for, you're onto something good!
I can't talk for everyone I can only talk from experience. I stopped working shift work because I took my son to school and I put him to bed. His grades were failing because I was never around to help he was getting tired of being passed around like a piece of meat and it was effecting him emotionally. (His dad and I separated when he was older so was taking it pretty hard). I stopped working started my ow business which struggles but we get by. I pick him up from school every day and have most afternoons with him. We are much closer and happier because of it. But we go without a lot of things which sometimes becomes an issue but we make the most of everything else and both really love life.
My best friend works endless hours. she feels guilty 90% of the time (even though she shouldn't) she regrets missing out on things with the kids but she provides for her family they know they have what they need and can go on great holidays together. Her kids are happy and sometimes she needs to take a step back to realise that.
We also work together. Her kids and my boy are best friends. We go fishing together we have weekends together we are extended family.
Every mother is different and by the sounds of it you are a great mum and which ever you decide I'm sure you will make it work for you and your little one.