Go back to work, or wait another 2 years?

[Anonymous]

I think a flexible job is worth a lot. Even if you aren't taking home that much, you are reaping all the benefits PPs mentioned (SS, benefits, working towards raises, filling gaps in your resume) and you are mitigating a lot of the concerns you had (second shift, time with kids, etc.). You can always look for a job with more hours/more pay later if you feel that you need it. But as you point out, a job with this level of flexibility may not be there in the future. And while it's not a desirable option, you can always leave the position if it doesn't work for you and your family. But once you let it pass you by, it's gone. So you might as well try!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, reviving this thread b/c I now have a job offer.

The bad news is the pay is even worse than I thought and I would take home about 7K.

The good news is that it is flexible and I could be home in the afternoons for school pick up, making dinner etc.
Is it worth it? I'm leaning towards yes. In less than two years we won't have any childcare costs and this may be my opportunity to get back to work at a nice flexible schedule.

I'm worried if I put it off there may not be another job for me in 2 years.

Yes. Take it. Some of us put in years worth of work to get the type of flexibility they're offering you now. Do you have child care lined up? Offers are few and far between these days. Take it and see how you like it. If it doesn't suit you, you can start looking for something new but it's always easier to get a job when you have a job than to get one from the outside.

[Anonymous]

I just posted. One thing to consider, though, PP (and you may have already done so) are the additional expenses, outside of child care, that go into working full-time. Gas, parking, dry cleaning, etc... if those things are expensive in your area, your take-home might be less than you think. I still believe you should take the job but make sure you've added up ALL the costs.

[Anonymous]

Congrats, OP. Take it!

[Anonymous]

Thanks PPs! I have taken the job and start in 2 weeks. Gulp.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, reviving this thread b/c I now have a job offer.

The bad news is the pay is even worse than I thought and I would take home about 7K.

The good news is that it is flexible and I could be home in the afternoons for school pick up, making dinner etc.

Is it worth it? I'm leaning towards yes. In less than two years we won't have any childcare costs and this may be my opportunity to get back to work at a nice flexible schedule.

I'm worried if I put it off there may not be another job for me in 2 years.

I would take it. A flexible schedule is worth a lot. Most companies dont have these....

[Anonymous]

Congrats on so many fronts. You were able to stay home the early years, get back into the job force quickly and get a job where you have the flexibility for after school pickup and could work with DH's demanding hours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OK, reviving this thread b/c I now have a job offer.

The bad news is the pay is even worse than I thought and I would take home about 7K.

The good news is that it is flexible and I could be home in the afternoons for school pick up, making dinner etc.

Is it worth it? I'm leaning towards yes. In less than two years we won't have any childcare costs and this may be my opportunity to get back to work at a nice flexible schedule.

I'm worried if I put it off there may not be another job for me in 2 years.

This is very different from what you said in your original post. If this is indeed the case (which it would be in most fields I would think), you should definitely take this job now.