SAHM going back to work - hire nanny 2-3 days a week?

[Anonymous]

I’ve been home for several years and want to transition back to work. I think my ideal would be a nanny for 2 (or 3 at most) days per week to give me time to figure out what I want to do (in my previous field, there are several different routes I’m considering).

Has anyone done this? I’m worried that 1. Finding someone part time will be challenging, 2. I’d need to be looking for work from home (or a coffee shop… but I dont really want to sit at a coffee shop all day) so it’s going to be harder to “leave” my youngest (who is 18 months) when he knows I’m home, and 3. If i go back to work soon I’d need a different childcare situation so this would all have to change anyway.

Any advice?

I had thought I’d wait until my youngest was 3 and spend his preschool hours finding a part-time job to do from 9-3 while my kids are in elementary, BUT I think I’m losing it and might be happier back at work….

[Anonymous]

Regardless of your home set up, a 2 or 3 day a week nanny is very hard to find and even harder to keep.

We have a perfect, full time Mary Poppins nanny and have since my 3 yr old was born. We adore her and she’s shown me the value of nanny-care. I encourage all my friends to get great nannies. But in your circumstances, OP, I would recommend daycare.

[Anonymous]

Pt care is very hard to find and keep. If you think you’ll want ft care soon, hire for ft and use the extra hours to go do your errands.

[Anonymous]

Am you just job search on weekends/evenings when DH is home? If you need hours during business for calls etc., could it be a standing appointment with a HS sitter - from 4-5:30 pm once a week? Combined with naps, that should be enough until you find something.

PT care is tough to find.