I am happily married to mr. wonderful and we have 3 terrific kids. We have never put our kids into daycare and its really not an option because of the cost. My hubby and I have always just worked different shifts so one of us could always be home with the kids. For the last couple of years I have worked evenings and weekends and it means little time with my 2 school age kids but we have a toddler at home. I make the most of my time with my kids and we make our situation work for us knowing it wont be forever. My problem is that now my employer is pushing me to work more hours, work more day shifts and be more available. I have explained my situation to them and hoped they would understand, but thats not happening. I've tried to find a friend or family member to watch my toddler 1 or 2 days a week so I can be more available but I really dont have anyone. Everyone I know works and I am everyones back up babysitter because I am home during the day. It's making me miserable at work when I previously loved my job. I need to work and have tried to find other jobs or work at home opportunities but nothing is panning out. Any suggestions?
Can you try working for a daycare? Sometimes they give you a really great price for childcare and you can make money teaching! Just a thought!
Have you actually looked at daycare options in your area? Sometimes we think things wont work until we try. If your employer is insisting you work more daytime hours, you need to decide the lesser of two not so great options. Either find childcare or quit. I have several friend who have been successful finding options on Craigslist. Maybe there is a family wanting to share a nanny. Maybe another mother looking for some extra money. Talk to everyone you know. Someone may know somebody. Good Luck!
From another post it seems that you work at a baby specialty store? Why on earth would you HAVE to do daytime shifts when you're wholeheartedly doing eves and weekends? Hmmmmm.....
I guess while it's been nice while it lasted, maybe this is where the rubber hits the road? If they will not accommodate your schedule, maybe it's time to find something else? Sometimes when O. door closes, another opens. Is it a very high paying job that a job change will result in extreme income loss?
Other than pay for daycare (and most in my area need at least a 2 or 3 day commitment, which might be overkill in your case if you mainly keep eve/weekend hours) I can't think of any solutions especially if there is no family or friends to lean on--I'm sorry :-(
how old are your kids? i HAD to put my daughter in day care at only 6 months old (i cried-mom went searching with me to help break the mold...she watched my daughter). however, i think day care is a WONDERFUL opportunity for the kids to learn to be social and learn to be away from the parents and get in a "school" environment so that when school starts it'll be an easier transition. I didn't have a single problem when my daughter started school because she was in day care she was already used to being in the care of someone else. so that worked out.
i wouldn't totally put day care out of the question, yes it's expensive, but there are many pro's and many con's to day care...maybe see about hiring a "nanny" if you don't want day care so that you can be more flexible for your job. the babysitter i have (lives up the street) has the option of coming to my house and doing some chores for 5.00 a chore up to so much in addition to the ONLY 20.00 a week i pay her for baby sitting. i love it!
Is the nature of your job something that can be brought home to compensate for the hours that you need to increase you schedule by? If you're not sure, check with your employer. This wll also let them know that you value your position there and you are sincerely looking for a way this can work...for both of yu. If not, could a mother's day out fill the overlapping time? It is usually offered 1 to 4 days per week 9:30- 2:30 (in my neck of the woods). Usually inexpensive and since it is only your toddler might be in your financial comfort zone. Something to think about, anyway...good luck to you!
Is your job in jeopardy if you don't take on the extra work? Or do you just need to get more firm with them? Or could you trade baby-sitting duties with another mom?
Well it looks like you have 3 choices, either you stay part time if you can, look for another job or quit. You are going to need to sit down and talk to your husband about what you want to do. Good luck!
What work at home opportunities have you tried? And are other jobs in your area difficult to find? I just recently started working from home- I also am married to Mr. Wonderful and have 2 amazing boys. What I love is that I can work while caring for my children, and just schedule my work around them. I also am not limited to the economic situation in my area- thanks to the internet, I can reach people everywhere. Feel free to msg me if you would like help in finding your 'last job'! ;)
Not sure if this is an option for you, but have you ever thought of becoming an in home daycare provider? There is a lot of work involved, but it is definitely the best decision I have made!
