Changing Jobs = Changing Daycares

aeh72 · October 2013

I am interviewing for a job that I am very interested in. It would be a great career move for me (in terms of responsiblity and salary) and I feel like it would re-energize me in my career in a way that my current job just simply is not doing anymore (and I don't foresee that changing in the future) - i.e., I am burned out big time in my current job/at my current company.

My struggle - this job could require me to change my son's daycare. He is in an in-home daycare that we LOVE but she closes at 5:30 everyday so I basically have to leave work at 5pm everyday to pick him up (my current job is very flexible so this is not an issue). While I could easily put in a nine hour day (8-5) in the new job, it's giving me a bit of anxiety to be that new employee who has to leave at 5pm everyday (unfortunately, my husband's job is further away and he would not be able to pick up DS on a daily basis - in emergencies and as needed from time to time, yes, but he couldn't be the "pick-up" parent).

We haven't discussed schedules in the interview process and I haven't even been made an offer yet, but I have been told I'm one of the top two candidates so I want to be prepared for the decision I may have to make.

Have you/would you change your child's daycare for the right job? I feel guility about choosing my own career (and, honestly, the potential of being happier everyday at what I hope will be a better job) vs. DS feeling happy and safe in his daycare environment. (For reference - he's 18 months old and we would be looking at moving him to a center where he will ultimately attend preschool sometime in the next year, probably when he's about 2.5.)

TIA for any experiences and words of wisdom you can share!

jf198400 · October 2013

I am going through this same thing! I am interviewing for a new job for better stability, commute, etc. I could keep my kids at their current center or I could move them to a new (equally good) center just down the street from the new job, and save myself 30mins a day driving. I am extremely worried about their adjustment. DD is 3 and just had a hard time moving to a new classroom, so I'm really scared to take her away from all her friends. DS is 20months, and I think he would adjust easier.

If I were you, I would go ahead and switch to a center now since you are thinking of moving to a preschool in a year anyways. It's an easier adjustment at this age then if you wait.

Nechie122 · October 2013

We had to change daycares when DD was 14 months and, believe me, I agonized about it. But it all worked out and we like the new center as much if not more. And since you were planning on moving your DS anyway, it seems like a no-brainer to speed up the timeline if everything else falls into place.

Now that DD's daycare is a mile from my (not-so-new) job (three minute drive, 20 minute walk), my stress level at the end of the day has plummeted. I can leave at 5:55pm and still get there in time for pick-up.

emberlee3 · October 2013

It is fine to change daycare, if needed. Your LO will adjust. Or the schedule will work out for him to stay. Or you work out an arrangement with current DCP to pay extra for 30 more minutes, maybe just certain days of the week, or maybe just planned in advance if a late meeting is scheduled or whatever. Or you hire a sitter to pick up. Good luck and I hope you get an offer.

ASmallWonder · October 2013

Pretty much what @emberlee3 said. I wouldn't decline the job over daycare, which is incredibly temporary in the grand scheme of things. It's not like you're talking about having to sell your house and move (which, even still, people do for the right opportunity). You always have to remember that rarely is anything permanent. We were using an in home that I adored and then her husband got a new job and they had to move. You can't base your life on things that other people can easily up end, kwim?

aeh72 · October 2013

Thank you everyone! Update since my post - I was offered the job! Turns out their normal hours are 8-5 so that will work with DS' current daycare (and I did tell them about my current daycare situation and they understood). But, with a new (and likely more demanding job), it may be time to think about a daycare that stays open later. At least, though, I have some time to look around and find the right place without feeling pressured.

Wow - I can't believe I'm about to change jobs for the first time in close to 14 years.

jf198400 · October 2013

Congrats on the new job!

aeh72 · October 2013

Thanks jf198400 and mal922! :-) Happy Weekend to everyone!

iverske9 · October 2013

If you were going to switch him anyway to this center than I wouldn't see it as a big deal. You would be helping him acclimate to the new place when he was younger which will be easier than later when he is more and more aware. Congrats on the new job and kids adapt alot better than parents do.

RachieTK · October 2013

Especially since you plan to make a change anyway, I'd just change sooner.

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