I have worked in admin for a large transport company for 8 years. I went back to work full-time then for a little while slightly less than full-time after my son was born, then when my daughter was born I went back full-time again.
This left me feeling mostly guilty and very sad. I would be away from the children so much, then when I was home I was trying to keep up with house work etc. Work wasn't my 'dream job' so to speak - it merely paid the bills - just.
So when I found out I was having our latest baby, the first thoughts that crossed my mind was that I didn't want to leave him as much. I cried so many tears over the lost moments with my son and daughter and had to do so much juggling to go and see a school play, or a sports day, or to do a drop off or pick up from playgroup or school. So around my sons 4 month mark I began to trawl through job sites and papers for something that was part-time and fitted around school, and also paid!
After many months of looking I found and applied for a job as a night carer in a local home for the elderly. I had originally wanted to go into a care setting, and now it would appear was my chance.
I got an interview, and interviewed well enough to be offered the job! So I handed in my notice to my old job, with a great deal of sadness, but also feeling quite thrilled at the prospect of my new job!
I don't start until the end of the school holidays, and so still have the summer with the children, and also the prospect of being there for all school drop offs and pick ups AND the precious time I was seeking with my baby boy too.
I know the work will be hard, and the catching up with sleep will be difficult. But I don't usually take the easy option, and so am well used to finding solutions to difficulties - and for the rewards of just being there for my family it will be worth it.
The kids had some mixed feelings about me being out at night, my son advised me that there were gangs of not very nice people out at night time and he would be worried about me. So we showed him where I would be working, and explained I wouldn't be going out during the night. He was quite envious when I told him of the beautiful view of the sea I shall be getting out of the front windows!
My daughter just wants me to be here all the time. Understandable - I am her Mummy, and Mummy is supposed to be there all the time! But she has come round to the idea a bit more knowing I'll be there in the morning for breakfast, and only three nights a week.
I expect my husband and baby will benefit most as they will get to spread out on my bed for three nights a week without me getting in their way, but I hope they will miss me a little.
All in all a new way of life is on its way, again.
