Working moms...question

beeunit

I will be working from home in a little less than a month.  I don't have the flexibility to make my own hours, but I may be able to have a few options.  I can work AM's (930-6), PM's (1230-9) or a variety of 10 hr shifts with an extra day off during the week.  My H works 8-4, so would be home at night.  Knowing what you know now about working and having 2U2, what would you consider before making a decision?  Chances are I have to make one prior to delivery.

MTClaire

Are the kids going to be home with you while you work?  If so, I would do 12:30-9.  That way, they will probably take at least a 1-2 hour afternoon nap so you can work, and your husband can watch them for 5 hours while you really focus on work.  Otherwise, you won't get anything done.  I tried it.  It was even hard to work with just one at home, let alone both of them.  They always wanted to be on the computer, seeing what I was doing, climbing on me, etc.   

beeunit

MTClaire:

Are the kids going to be home with you while you work?  If so, I would do 12:30-9.  That way, they will probably take at least a 1-2 hour afternoon nap so you can work, and your husband can watch them for 5 hours while you really focus on work.  Otherwise, you won't get anything done.  I tried it.  It was even hard to work with just one at home, let alone both of them.  They always wanted to be on the computer, seeing what I was doing, climbing on me, etc.   

Ahh, I should have added, no...they will be with H's aunt out of the house.  I have to drive them about an hour round trip.  H will pick them up.

Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha

beeunit:

Ahh, I should have added, no...they will be with H's aunt out of the house.  I have to drive them about an hour round trip.  H will pick them up.

In that case, I would choose AM's so you get more time with the kids.

laura1

I think it probably depends on your kids - my 2 go to bed by 7 (when DD was under a year, she was often in bed for the night by 6:15pm, and DS has had a 7pm bedtime since he was about 4 months old).  If had the choice I would choose working pms and have mornings with them- that is when they are most rested, less cranky, and would be more fun.  If you work until 6, that is when they are getting tired and cranky, and would be going to bed soon.  However, some people love bed time and that time of the day with their kids.  Or some kids stay up later and don't have meltdowns at 6:30-7pm...

I am someone who works overnights, so I might be a bit biased, though! 

Good luck choosing!

LollyBug18

It might be nice to work the 10 hour shifts and have that extra day at home. You wouldn't have to make that hour drive and could have that entire day to be with your kids.

Anne Mommy

Good time for a pro/ con list. Option A: am shift:

Pro: More time with hubby in evening, able to eat dinner as a family,

Con: driving in rush hour, not much play time with kiddos

Option B: pm shift

Pro: morning play time with kids, driving in non-rush hour, can make dr appointments and such in the am, some jobs pay more for evening

Con: rarely get time with H, missing family dinners

Option C: 10 hr shift

Pro: extra day off!, one less day driving, one less day in daycare

Con: 4 days of different hours?, less time those days for family time, longer shifts (harder to pump if you plan on it)

IMO, it depends on what is important to you. When H and I worked opposite shifts, I missed him. We didn't have much time together at all. Now we work similar shifts and have lots of time. It's also harder to plan dr appointments since some one has to get off work for them. The 10 hr shift might be nice. It's one less day of commuting and daycare. You have a "free" day during the week for errands (like the bank or doctor) that is hard to do on the weekends. Depending on the 10 hr shift, you might still have family time those days.