Working and Mumming

How old are the kids? If they're at school, go for it. If they're little, that time is precious. Apparently like 60% of the time you have with your kids is over by the age of 6, so I'd choose kids

It's possible to find a job that offers good work conditions like good pay, flexible work hours, family-friendly supportive leadership and ticks the boxes you might be seeking in terms of career progression/interesting work. I work for the Queensland Government and maybe working in the private sector isn't as accommodating to these kinds of needs (I don't know) but given the workforce shortages, I would think most employers would offer flexible work conditions and leave entitlements to encourage prospective employees, including mums, to return to the workforce.

@Georgia this is such a great point. Thank you. Kid are 7, 3 & 1. Another year at home would have been so nice but work is required

Oh I'm not saying don't work, I'm saying get a job that suits your family - so you get as much time with them as possiboe

@Georgia thanks

Definitely a job that offers flexibility will make an enormous difference. My kids are 6, 4 and 1 and I have no family nearby for support. Having a good employer means I can do both and feel good about it. I make it to almost every school assembly award ceremony or school event, but also bring in a wage to feel good about our family's future and my own financial independence. I actually love the time I spend at work. I think having time away from our kids can be really great for our own well-being and mental health. Lots of my friends with similar age children return to work on a part-time basis so that's always an option too.

@Marcelina thanks for your comments. Sounds great. And actually, ironically that’s what I have. Which is great for right now but I don’t like the work & there is no future there so it’s hard to get through the day. I’m doing it only for my family. It’s a good job. The alternative is also part time but longer days and less flexibility, but does offer a brighter future. A career. The previous comment about this time being precious really hit home

This time is precious but I do think the two can co-exist although I know it can be difficult to achieve that perfect balance. I'm a big believer in taking opportunities, being courageous in life and sometimes taking a step back (eg financially) in order to take a giant leap forward. I have friends that have left a safe well paying government role to take the leap into working for the non-government sector and none have regretted making that decision. Life is definitely too short to be stuck in a job that you don't enjoy. You need to feel like your time at work gives you real satisfaction. It's not just about bringing home a pay cheque.

Would returning to the job part-time be an option, and maybe adding a side-hustle to earn a bit extra, but with more flexibility.