Need work advice

MLWCDW

I am struggling with a Mommy/work decision...and I figure this was a good place to ask.

I took my current job when I was about 2.5 months pregnant. My supervisor and one coworker (we are a small office of 5 with a head office 20 min away) were great to me! They covered my butt while I was puking in the bathroom and my boss never help sick pregnant mornings spent at home against me. My schedule is 8-5 but I rarely have to stay that late. I sell so I am paid solely on commission.  This involves ALOT of take home worry and stress. Plus the insurance stinks so I don't even carry it and pay out of pocket.

Well my awesome coworker has retired and my boss is down to his final year before retirement...sooo

 I have an interview for job two. It is in the field I got my degree in. It pays about 12,000 more a year and offers amazing insurance. Which means no more out of pocket for a family of three. the hours our 8-4 with no flexibility. 

I guess I am just torn between the two...is flexibility more important with a LO or is the money and benefits???

aglenn

Well, it depends on what you mean by no flexibility.  I assume you would still have PTO and/or sick days for when LO (or you) are sick?  Is your DH able to help with drop off and pick up?  How long is the commute?  I think 8-4 is not bad at all but it depends on your situation.  My DH travels a lot and I can't always be physically in the office from 8-5 (my hours) when he is gone and I have to drop off and pick up.  It is no big deal in my role, but if it was, I would probably have to look for a different job because it's just not possible.  I am able to work from home to stay caught up, so that flexibility is nice.

RoxyLynn

You know this already, but it's a question that only you can answer.  How important is it to you to work in your chosen field?  What does the extra $12k/year and benefits mean for your family budget? Does your husband have a strong opinion one way or the other?

MLWCDW

I honestly truly don't know which way I am leaning it changes with my mood. I don't hate my job...but I don't like it either...I am good at it but even I can tell int he last few months my performance is sub par.

My husband currently works part time and stays at home with DD. However both grandmothers don't work so daycare isn't even an issue if he were to work full time. 

When I factor in everything we could really use what will seem like $18K a year. I just need to be a grown up and accept that I will have to work until 4 every day unless of a special circumstance or emergency if I take the new job. 

EastCoastBride

Well, regular hours of 8 -4 are pretty good, IMO.  I work 7:45 - 4:15 and really like it.  4:15 is still early enough that I beat the traffic home, can get DS from daycare, and we have time to play and do stuff at night before bed. 

Plus, once you're in the job, you may be able to work some kind of flexibility in.

I just don't see those hours as being all the horrible or worth giving up the money and benefits over.

But as said- it's a personal decision that only you can make.

1026pumpkin

I think since you said DH works part time and the money would be helpful, I'd go for it!  Getting out at 4 is still pretty awesome and you should still have a good amount of time with DD at the end of the day.  Maybe just plan to use a few PTO days throughout the year as "mental health days" to go shop, get a mani/pedi, whatever so you still feel like you've got some free time.

LoCarb

I agree 4p is a great time to get off work allowing you to take advantage of day time hrs and play w/ LO.  The increased salary and benefits are huge perks.  I would go for it.  GL making your decision!

mylittlesunshine

EastCoastBride:

Well, regular hours of 8 -4 are pretty good, IMO.  I work 7:45 - 4:15 and really like it.  4:15 is still early enough that I beat the traffic home, can get DS from daycare, and we have time to play and do stuff at night before bed. 

Plus, once you're in the job, you may be able to work some kind of flexibility in.

I just don't see those hours as being all the horrible or worth giving up the money and benefits over.

But as said- it's a personal decision that only you can make.

I agree with all of this. I work 8-4:30 and love it! The hours you stated are really good and for an extra 12k PLUS benefits is awesome.

kst2011

I wouldn't even think twice about taking job #2 if it is offered to you.  I would snap it up in a heartbeat.  Sounds like things are changing at your current company anyway and there is no guarantee of future flexibility at your current job anyway.

FWIW, it sounds like you would have a lot of childcare help as well.  My husband can't help me because of his long hours.  DS is with my mom and MIL ( they split the week).  It is flexible and works great for us.

Bazinga86

It sound like you may be stuck in a comfort zone. You say that you don't love your job but you don't hate it either. Working on commission can be very stressful, on top of not loving your job and not knowing how you will feel in a year when your boss retires. I say give this new job a chance. It may stink to give up the flexibility of your current job but medical insurance in a BIG perk and the pay increase will probably ease your stress significantly. You'll adjust to the schedule after a few weeks.