I think your current part time job sounds like the perfect thing. If they aren't pressuring you about the full time, I'd stay. It sounds like it has worked pretty well for you overall? Was the "we want you full time within three years" an actual threat that they'll let you go if you don't? Surely not, because it's sounds like you're a great employee with a great employee/employer relationship.
My guess is that the upcoming summer is the issue since all four kids will need watching? Can your MIL continue to keep the smallest ones for you and you make alternate plans for the other two? Maybe a neighborhood teen or a SAHM wanting some extra cash for the summer?
If you were deciding between working at all vs. being a SAHM, my opinion might be different. However, exchanging one part time for another doesn't change your circumstances that much. You'll still have daycare issues for the ones not in school yet (is MIL available 5 days a week?) and sick child issues, etc.
While the summers off of being a cafeteria lady appeals at this point of your life, I think it's possible you might regret it in the long term. The next ten years will go by quickly and you'll probably be helping those four kids through college in addition to planning your retirement, wanting to travel, etc. The income potential of your current job sounds pretty hard to give up, especially if they'll let you stay part time indefinitely.
My guess is that the upcoming summer is the issue since all four kids will need watching? Can your MIL continue to keep the smallest ones for you and you make alternate plans for the other two? Maybe a neighborhood teen or a SAHM wanting some extra cash for the summer?
If you were deciding between working at all vs. being a SAHM, my opinion might be different. However, exchanging one part time for another doesn't change your circumstances that much. You'll still have daycare issues for the ones not in school yet (is MIL available 5 days a week?) and sick child issues, etc.
While the summers off of being a cafeteria lady appeals at this point of your life, I think it's possible you might regret it in the long term. The next ten years will go by quickly and you'll probably be helping those four kids through college in addition to planning your retirement, wanting to travel, etc. The income potential of your current job sounds pretty hard to give up, especially if they'll let you stay part time indefinitely.
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