This week’s dilemma is one that I think a lot of working parents will be able to relate to.
Robin has two young boys (aged 7 and 5) at school – but she doesn’t get to see them a lot because she has to work most nights, to pay off the family’s mortgage.
Her husband hasn’t been able to work for the last 8 months due to a recent knee reconstruction, and his bad knee will prevent him from returning to work any time in the near future.
Robin picks up her kids from school each afternoon. Her shift work starts at 5:30 in the evening, so by the time she’s made dinner, she’s spending about half an hour of quality time with them each day.
Robin says she has to work because at the moment she’s the only one in the family paying off the mortgage.
She says if she quits her job as a pizza delivery driver, she’ll lose the house. On the other hand, she says her kids are missing their mum.
Robin HAS been sending out her resume and looking for other jobs.
We need your advice on this one.
- Should Robin just make the most of the half an hour she does get to spend with her children each afternoon?
- Should she look for a daytime job?
- Maybe she could ask her employer to consider changing her shifts to the daytime?
- If her husband’s knee wasn’t too bad, maybe he could help out making dinner at home?
- Maybe she should stick it out for a bit longer until she gets a new job?
What do YOU think Robin should do?
Comments (1)
Robin,
Your children grow up so fast - in the blink of an eye they'll be ten, then teenagers, then adults.
Make the most of the short time you do have with them - make it quality, undivided, your own 'special' time. I really like the idea of trying to change your shifts to daytime, although I guess there would be more work in your industry in the evenings and this may not be the practical solution.
Keep sending your resume out and hang in there. There IS something out there for you - don't lose heart and give up. Just think of your kids every time you send out another resume!
Looking for those hard-to-come-by 10am-2pm school hours jobs can be disheartening, but stick with it - your kids are obviously really important to you and a priority - the fact that you care about this shows you are a great mum!
I too have a seven and five year old - I know where you are at. They are at an age where they need you so much - even if they don't always show it.
My children have always been our priority - I count it a blessing that I have been able to be at home with them before they went to school. I also count it a blessing and don't take it for granted that I am able to work from home now they are at school. I write, and work flexibly around school hours.
Hang in there, Robin - and keep hanging out with your kids!
Jane
Posted by Jane Gallard | April 20, 2007 2:11 AM
Posted on April 20, 2007 02:11