To return to full-time work or not

[elainem]

Just need some advice/opinions. Currently working part-time as a nurse, thinking of returning full-time. Children of 5 and 3.5. Other income, maintenance for children and rental income. I hate relying on rental income and kids are expensive. Also there are certain benefits e.g. phi and pension with full-time work. I feel stressed with living mostly off rental income, due to vacanct period and maintenance costs, yet not sure if I should go back to work full-time. Any comments appreciated.

 

[dodo]

If you can afford not to work full time then I would stay the way you are. Your children will be the better for it I'm thinking.They will grow up quick and then it will be to late to get those days back.My wife works part time and we have thought about how much more cash we would have if she worked fulltime.We could have someone in the family look after them for nothing each week would you believe.But we have decided against it as money is only money but the memories of their youth and my wife been there when they come home for dinner after school and all that goes with it. We could have 380 euro a week more if my wife worked full time but her been there for them everyday is far more important.We might not have 2 fancy holidays a year or 2 flash cars but we have very happy children who deserve one of us to be there all the time for them.We did not have children so somebody else could bring them up for us that is our job I am thinking. I also worked part time for 3 years so we could be there for our children, I put my career on hold but it is now back on track and I feel the better for it and feel I know more about my children than most other Father's know about their children. It is something people comment on about how close our children are to the both of us rathar than just the mother or the nanny ,child minder etc. But do what is best for you and I hope you make the right decision for your children,

 

[z108]

The ideal situation is in my opinion as Dodo said. However not everyone can afford to do this especially as a single parent living in a non ideal world.
It would be best I think to wait till both kids are in primary school and get them involved in sports and extra curricular activities after school for more time where they are minded and then try to tailor your work hours around that timetable but that may not be possible for you.
You are also entitled to your own aspirations towards a career which you have to factor in. In the long run the more secure you are the more secure they will be too but if you go back to work full time now you'll have childcare costs which are pretty hefty everywhere unless you have a grandparent to mind them. Have you factored those all into your plans?