Working 20 hours/week from home

LMBESQ

Hi ladies, it's my first time posting here.  I am an attorney who worked full time up until baby.  I have been in negotiations with my firm to go back on a contract basis, but would still be in the office 2 full days per week (10 hour days, and frequent days out of town which would mean not getting home until DD is in bed).  While these negotiations have been underway, I have interviewed for a different opportunity, one that would be 20 hours per week from home and no office time.  I'm tempted to take the 2nd one, mainly because it would mean I could be home to put my LO to bed, bf, etc.  I am assuming I would need to hire an in-home nanny to help watch DD while I work. 

Any advice as to what would be a good schedule?  Hiring someone 3 mornings per week for 5 hours (like 8am-1pm)? and then making up the remaining 5 hours on my own while DH is home or DD naps. 

Any advice would be appreciated.  Thanks.  

14years

Does this mean you are going to bill 20 hours a week?  If someone is at your house for 5 hours, I would think it would be hard to bill the entire 5 hours, unless you are very disciplined.  I do think you could find time to work when DD naps, but when I am at home during the week for some reason, I usually end up doing laundry or something else that needs to be done around the house.

I would maybe see if you can find someone who can come 4 days a week, maybe M-Th, from 8-1.  That would give you 20 hours of childcare, and you could probably bill at least 16 hours that way.  The other 4 you could probably make up during the evening, weekend or naps.

wanitten

I tried having someone come to the house while I worked and, well, it didn't work out so well.  I just couldn't stay away if he cried, etc., plus I breastfed.  It was more like having help (like when Dad is home) vs. having childcare. 

Can't help you with the decision on the job, but this year, I'm putting him in daycare instead even though I work partially from home.

jlw2505

Do you have an office at home that you can close the door and not be distracted at all from the baby and nanny?  If not, than I would look at something outside the home - either a center or a home daycare.  I work from home 2 days a week and my girls are at daycare FT.  No way could I get anything done if they were here as they know I am here (I have tried it when they are sick and someone else is here to watch them.  As for a schedule, it really depends on you - are you a morning person?  If so, I would aim for starting the day at 8 or so but if you are not a morning person, I would start a little later.  I personally would rather work a few full days than more half days as I think I would get more done overall.