WWYD, choosing a new job.

[peanuts]

Since we moved I have been applying for new jobs, and I had two interviews last week for two very different possible jobs. Obviously only best case scenario would I actually have to choose between the two jobs, but I need some advice or input from other moms who work full time to help me decide which job I should hope for based on the circumstances around each of them. TIA

Job 1 pros: 3 days a week. Located very close to home (10 minute commute total).
Job 1 cons: Weekends, holidays. Far less pay. Insurance is only guaranteed if I maintain 30+ hours per week which wasn't guaranteed. Possible conflict with my nursing/pumping schedule because of a very hectic job.

Job 2 pros: AMAZING pay and AMAZING benefits, including full-family insurance.

Job 2 cons: Long commute, about 45 minutes each way. 5 days a week.

I can't figure out what to do. One job would allow me a lot more time with LO, but doesn't guarantee me the insurance I currently have paid for through employer, so that's a huge issue for us considering the pay wouldn't compensate for the lack of insurance. And if I lose my milk supply because of my job, I would be very very upset.
The other would be a lot less time with DD, but the money and benefits are top-of-the-line. Best of the absolute best of pay and insurance, I mean it would be amazing for us.

So do I give up time with my baby to provide for our family better? Or do I stay the same as we are now, or even come out on the bad end and wind up having to pay for insurance out-of-pocket and/or losing my milk supply?

[yogini kiki]

Jan 26, 2015 12:33:36 GMT -5 peanuts said:

Since we moved I have been applying for new jobs, and I had two interviews last week for two very different possible jobs. Obviously only best case scenario would I actually have to choose between the two jobs, but I need some advice or input from other moms who work full time to help me decide which job I should hope for based on the circumstances around each of them. TIA

Job 1 pros: 3 days a week. Located very close to home (10 minute commute total).
Job 1 cons: Weekends, holidays. Far less pay. Insurance is only guaranteed if I maintain 30+ hours per week which wasn't guaranteed. Possible conflict with my nursing/pumping schedule because of a very hectic job.

Job 2 pros: AMAZING pay and AMAZING benefits, including full-family insurance.

Job 2 cons: Long commute, about 45 minutes each way. 5 days a week.

I can't figure out what to do. One job would allow me a lot more time with LO, but doesn't guarantee me the insurance I currently have paid for through employer, so that's a huge issue for us considering the pay wouldn't compensate for the lack of insurance. And if I lose my milk supply because of my job, I would be very very upset.
The other would be a lot less time with DD, but the money and benefits are top-of-the-line. Best of the absolute best of pay and insurance, I mean it would be amazing for us.

So do I give up time with my baby to provide for our family better? Or do I stay the same as we are now, or even come out on the bad end and wind up having to pay for insurance out-of-pocket and/or losing my milk supply?

Job 2 would be my choice.  I say this because not knowing so many variables is (for me) so much more stressful.  Plus weekends and holidays are prime time for family memories.  I would get resentful fast in Job 1.  I work full time with a longer commute but I find that by the time I get to work I am there...and by the time I get home I have left work behind.  It is helpful!

[shevacc]

Is childcare an issue? It's hard to find flexible care a lot of the time. Is job 1 set hours or variable? Job 2 sounds like it would be easy to find and afford care you're happy with.

I honestly don't see many pros to job 1. 10 extra hours a week with LO would be nice but higher stress, nights/weekends, and much less pay doesn't do anything for me.

[peanuts]

Jan 26, 2015 12:39:48 GMT -5 shevacc said:

Is childcare an issue? It's hard to find flexible care a lot of the time. Is job 1 set hours or variable? Job 2 sounds like it would be easy to find and afford care you're happy with.

I honestly don't see many pros to job 1. 10 extra hours a week with LO would be nice but higher stress, nights/weekends, and much less pay doesn't do anything for me.

Job 1 is not set hours. It's 3 days a week, so the week that I would do weekend shift, I would only work 1 day during the week. I might struggle to find daycare willing to manage that schedule, but I can't be sure of that since we haven't started looking yet.

And yes, job 2 would be set and easy to find childcare for, and easily affordable considering the pay for the job.

[those3words]

Job 2 but I'm mercenary

If you think LO has a good situation when you are at work, I would take #2. For me, I know DS loves our daycare situation. He finds it much more exciting than just me - so I feel good about leaving him there and working.

I agree with Yoginikki, it is good to have family time together on weekends, IMO. Also, there is something to be said for a predictable schedule.

GL!

[those3words]

Jan 26, 2015 12:44:30 GMT -5 peanuts said:

Jan 26, 2015 12:39:48 GMT -5 shevacc said:

Job 1 is not set hours. It's 3 days a week, so the week that I would do weekend shift, I would only work 1 day during the week. I might struggle to find daycare willing to manage that schedule, but I can't be sure of that since we haven't started looking yet.

And yes, job 2 would be set and easy to find childcare for, and easily affordable considering the pay for the job.

If you take job 2 - if you are able to find a good child care fit nearby, that may be beneficial.  I am able to visit DS on my lunch break.  When I was nursing, I would nurse him then to help my supply. 

[Deleted]

I would go with job 2 because I need predictability when it comes to pay, benefits and childcare. I can't imagine having to schedule daycare on a week-by-week basis.

[3magicbeans]

If you are providing the insurance through your family (rather than your partner), and considering the childcare situation, I think I'd personally go with safe, dependable job 2.

[shevacc]

Weekend shift, while affording you less daycare, can be hard on your relationship with your partner/spouse. It's hard to not have the same days off (assuming he works a standard M-F job).

[Deleted]

I guess I'm the only one who would go for job 1. I work 30 hrs a week and love having the extra time with LO. Looks like the weekend shift isn't every week so you would have some time c spouse. And he/she may appreciate you being home more.

[Deleted]

Wanted to add, you may also want to consider the future and which job has more growth opportunity.

[weeklyplanner]

It sounds like the pay for job number 1 doesn't match the going rate. I was underemployed at my last job. Even though it was a great company I was SO bitter that the pay was so awful. Something to consider!

[shevacc]

One final thing if you're having trouble making up your mind...do you find yourself defending job 1 or job 2 more to us? To yourself? The right job for me might not be the right one for you. I hope it works out really well for you!

[skylark002]

I also vote for 2. It sounds a lot less stressful.

[peanuts]

Jan 26, 2015 13:55:26 GMT -5 shevacc said:

One final thing if you're having trouble making up your mind...do you find yourself defending job 1 or job 2 more to us? To yourself? The right job for me might not be the right one for you. I hope it works out really well for you!

When I went back and re-read my original post after I posted it I realized I made it sound like job 2 was the obvious choice! Clearly that one is preferable for every reason other than less time with DD. But the more I think about it and especially reading the responses, Job 2 is definitely the one I want. Not only for the pay/benefits, but also the predictability.

[toratoratori]

I agree with PPs; the variables on Job 1 make me nervous. I would take Job 2. I currently work five days a week and commute 45 minutes each way and it's really not a big deal! We get plenty of time together in the evenings and on weekends.

[Chrisse]

I'd take Job #2. Yes, you'd be sacrificing LO time, but the benefits are too good to pass up.

[mandapanda1382]

It sounds like job 2 is your obvious choice. I'm not sure I could give you any advice - there are dozens of variables that would go into that choice for me.

[gahorseygal]

I'm all for predictability now that I've had a kid. Pre-baby me would be shocked! So I say job #2. But I agree with what shevacc.

[puffandstuff]

Late to the party, but I think your making a good decision. I couldn't stand working on holidays.

[bobloblaw]

I don't have the most steady hours with my job because of the nature... however, it is mostly 8-5 M-F with very occasional later or weekend hours that are seasonal. I could NOT deal with the really variable schedule, with or without the kid, though I understand the desire to have more time with LO. 

If it were me it would be job 2.

Plus now that I think of it... I had a job where it was fixed schedule but I worked weekends. Let me just say how that changed my life- I hardly got any time with anyone that worked M-F schedules. It's way harder than it seems unless your family has a similar schedule.

[FunniBunni]

Do you have the ability to not work for awhile? If you did, then maybe getting Job#1 might be ok (if it's something you love) because if it was awful- you could just quit and find something else.

Otherwise, Job #2. If it's gonna be stressing you out, it's just not worth it. I only work PT, but my schedule is regular, and I love it. Add stress, nonsense, and cut into my family time, and I would just quit and SAH. Good luck in your choice!

[sjshark]

My commute is an hour to an hour and a half each way, some days it stinks but the other benefits of working where I work make it worth it. I think you should weigh what your most important things are and hopefully that will help guide your decision.

[jlynn62511]

I would go with #2, I'm not a risk taker and #1 is risky to me! Plus health insurance is a bonus!!

[islandlover]

I think I would go with job 2 as well. As nice as it would be to have that extra time with LO, I would rather have a predictable schedule along with holidays and weekends off with better benefits.