For moms who work at home

[crisi]

Funny thing is, when I used to go into the office, I thought I'd gain so much extra time if I worked at home - all those wasted hours in the car, but I don't really seem to have gained time - I think I used to be more efficient because I had to be.

Yeah, my work from home days really don't buy me time.

However, back when gas was $4.50 the 20% less driving I did by working from home one day a week was an income saver.

Something else - when the economy turned and we laid off people, I can't think of a single full time telecommuter we kept - oh, we kept Bob. The telecommuters were the highest risk people to get let go. We only had their results (which in some cases were really good) to measure their work, they didn't have the ties to the office everyone else did.

 

[QVCshopper]

OP - Since having my kids, I have worked full-time & part-time (both out of the home) as well as part-time (both in and out of the home). I think I can give a good perspective of all of these work situations.

For me, working part-time out of the home was the easiest. At that time, my MIL watched my DD before DS was born. But the company said I had to go back to full-time after DS was born. So I quit. Immediately after, I was blessed to get a very flexible, no benefits job out of the home--I worked 6-12 at night 2x/week. Then that company offered me work at home, if I added more hours. I'm now up to 25 hours/week at home, all at night, when my husband watches the kids or after I put them to bed. Needless to say, I'm always up very late, and don't see DH very much, but he does come down and talk to me every night.

My piece of advice is whatever you choose is flexible. It doesn't have to be set in stone. If it doesn't work, try something else. Just as long as you and your family are happy and healthy, you'll be fine.

 

[Amanda V]

That would be great (I think). I have seen some of these positions also but they all want experience. I think working ICU has me burnt out too I want to at least give it a shot. I don't even mind if it was odd hours since I work nights anyway...but at least it would be at home. Plus if I wanted to be on the move and have interaction with others I figure I can still work per diem..I don't know..maybe I am being unrealistic...I just feel more focused toward my kids needs right now...

I got burnt out on ICU too, which is why I went to PACU-just enough critical care to keep it interesting. Switching from 12's to 8's also made it so I am home for dinner/homework/bedtime. You'll figure something out...moms always do

 

[SamiL]

My husband and I are blessed with flexible work schedules that allow us to share time caring for our son. Even with this arrangement we use a Mother's Day Out program to help and sometimes family.

The only time to get any real work done is nap time or after bed time. In a pinch I can get some stuff done by turning on Handy Manny or Tigger and Pooh, but I feel really guilty when I let him watch a lot of TV.

It's definitely a trade off. On the plus side we save money on childcare, we remain the primary influences in our son's life, we get to be there to see him grow up, all while maintaining a double income. The downside is: no time to yourself (unless you cheat and "steal" time from someone), very little time for you and your spouse and exhaustion. It's a very complicated balancing act, one that I struggle with, but the pay off has been worth it.

I'm pretty sure that I'll have to switch to part time when we have a second child.

That's just my experience, others may vary. Also, it might be easier for younger moms. I was almost 30 when my son was born. Seems like I had more energy in my 20s.

 

[parkers218]

I got burnt out on ICU too, which is why I went to PACU-just enough critical care to keep it interesting. Switching from 12's to 8's also made it so I am home for dinner/homework/bedtime. You'll figure something out...moms always do

Thanks...PACU huh? Is that all day shift? or do you have to work some nights too?