[*Ker*]

I've recently found a job that I know I'd have a good chance of getting - it's in my field and i am very qualified for it.

I've just done a rough estimate of costs and FTB etc and worked out that I would be roughly $500 a fortnight better off, after factoring child care and public transport costs. I know I could do a LOT with that sort of money. It would really ease the financial stress.

However, my problem is the kids. After and Before School care isn't a problem - they love it, but I can't get back by 6pm for pick up, after working in the city. The plan would be to leave the car at school and catch the bus from there. I know the potential workplace and know they shut at 5.30. I doubt I'd get back within half an hour. And there is weekend and Friday night work (retail). It would mean I need to rely on family a LOT and I am loathe to do this - they all have enough on their plates.

DS still has therapies that I need to take him to, but I have worked out that I can do that on days off, not a problem. I'll also have to hope he doesn't have a meltdown at school, where I have to go in and calm him.

Anyone got any ideas I haven't thought of that could make it work?

[Hunch]

OP, I am struggling with similar issues at the moment. Some of the things I have considered are:

- paying a neighbor/ friend to do pick ups and dinner ( a mum at the same school who you know could do with the cash)
- trying to find a local uni student who can help out, assuming school is walking distance as ours is
- getting the kids dad to help out. I think you are separated, but would be likely and be in a position to assist?
- how late would you be to ASC? When my 2yo DS was in Occ care last year, DD had ballet across town which I thought we'd have to cancel due to not being at pick up in time. When I explained to the Occ Care ladies, they had no problem at all keeping DS for an extra 15 mins.
- any chance of negotiating to leave work a bit early? I know it's hard as the new person but may be worth asking.

I currently work part time but with DD starting school ths year and work wanting to increase my hours it's all getting too hard and I'm seriously thinking about quitting. I hope you can work something out.

[amaza]

I agree with maybe paying a reliable family member or friend to help? Also with the idea of maybe negotiating your hours? Retail slows down a bit in the last hour of the day so could you maybe try to negotiate to start half an hour or an hour early and finish a bit earlier each day?

I know their father isn't around but if you could offer a family member some money to look after them then it won't feel as much like you owe them a huge favour.

I say do it At least give it your best shot. There is usually a probation period of 3 months so you could at least trial it and if it doesn't work out then at least you've tried.

[*Ker*]

Their father would not help. He doesn't see them and hasn't for almost 4 years. He's worse than useless. He told me I should get a job (he thinks his CS will decrease, but he doesn't pay it anyway), but there is no way he'd help and I wouldn't ask him to. He COULD do it as he finishes work at 2pm, but he's an a**hole.

I was thinking of a uni student, but I don't know any. None of the mums at school would be able to - not enough seats in their cars to get mine and their kids home.

It's in a jewellery store. Store closes at 5, but there is pack up. I had a look on the bus timetables and I'd be able to make the 5.30 bus, I hope. I'd be 15 minutes late to ASC (at least, assuming all goes ok) and I don't think they'd be amused in the least. I can't start earlier, because the store opens at 9.30. I'd need to start at 9 with everyone else to load the windows.

I SMS'd my MIL and was talking to my sister today. Sister said she'd pick them up one day a week and MIL said she could do it three times a week so most of the after-schools are sorted. I'd just need someone for Friday nights/weekend, and if I suck up big time to mum, sister and MIL, they might work out something between them.

I'm going to apply anyhow, because I know the owner, he knows my old boss (same field, jewellery) and I know he likes hiring his old staff.

Now I just have to go through my resume and then send off an application. I'm a bit nervous - been ages since I did this!!!

[~*Amethyst*~]

Good luck Ker! Hopefully it will all work out for you!


XxAmethyst

[trishalishous]

personally Id rather find a student who was happy to nanny after school, from 3-7 on your work days.
The problem with family is if things come up, or if they start to feel taken advantage of, you might be left in the lurch

[seepi]

Sounds very promising - good for MIL.

Maybe you can look into family daycare for the last night of the week - some of them will work all sorts of hours, and it might be good to have another option.

[~kitteh.hoardere...]

Just wanted to say that I hope you can work it out Ker! It sounds like a great opportunity!

If you want a uni student but don't know one, what about contacting unis or tafes in your area?

Also try your local FB buy sell swap group. I noticed someone yesterday who had working with children checks and first aid etc was posting on there looking for work and you might be able to find someone in your area who is doing the same

[Pearson]

I would look at hiring a nanny, not a student (they like their Friday nights) for the Friday nights and weekends.

[Sloane Peterson]

Do you think you could negotiate a slightly earlier time to finish up? Say 5 instead of 530?