Oops--I think I made a big mistake

**Cricket1** · 11-28-2006, 10:20 PM

I went back to work part-time nights in August for a few reasons:
1)extra money
2)dental insurance
3)my sanity

I think that was my big mistake. I am working 20 hours/wk and I feel like I never get to do anything anymore. I used to go out once/week to be by myself--I can't do that anymore b/c when I'm home at night I want to be with the kids. I also work an 8 hour day on Saturday and, again, I miss that time w/kids and husband. Basically I work four nights/week, which includes the 8 hours on Sat.

Dental insurance is nice as this is one benefit we've never had.

My paycheck is automatically deposited and invested.

Am I just being whiney??? Probably. Is this a case of the grass always being greener??? Probably. Just venting, I guess.

**PrairieRose** · 11-28-2006, 10:41 PM

I may not be the best person to ask this. I've worked several different times down through the years and have never been satisfied doing it. I always feel as if I can't get caught up and am missing out on something with my family. I've never made enough money to make a big difference so I didn't have a problem not working outside the home for long at a time.

**rosebron** · 11-28-2006, 11:34 PM

I've always work but with kids/family, its a constant juggle.
Give it a little more time to get used to the schedule.
I returned from maternity leave in August after being out for 4 months and it was VERY difficult.

Hang in there!

**dmvezina** · 11-29-2006, 07:48 AM

I would just give it some more time.
Then, if you're still feeling this way, I would sit down and decide which is more important. Maybe list the pros and cons and see which outweighs the other? Have you or can you survive without the extra money and dental insurance? The sanity, well, do we ever have sanity? LOL
Maybe somehow set aside that time for you somewhere.
Do something extra special once a week with your family when you all have the time together.

**movaly1** · 11-29-2006, 10:20 AM

It is hard. Sometimes it seems like there just isn't enough time. Do you really need to work? Is the extra money worth the stress? Could you work less than 20 hours/ week?

**Buckeye5** · 11-29-2006, 10:26 AM

I know what you are talking about. I was working too, but I quit. I was only making $5.75 per hour but I worked from 5am to 2 pm, and some afternoon shifts. It didn't work out for me, so now I stay at home, but I do miss the socialization I had, and even though the money was horrible the $600 I brought home a month, sometimes I think about it being applied to debt, but I will see what happens. Can't offer much advice, I think that is a personal decision that only will be able to decide. Good luck, though.

**emily_hope** · 11-29-2006, 10:31 AM

I agree with dmvezina. I would sit down and study on it and make a list of pros and cons. Good luck with whatever you decide.

**Telephus44** · 11-29-2006, 06:47 PM

Another thing that you might want to do is track how you spend your time. Your post says that you used to go out once a week by yourself, but now you want to spend your nights off with your family. Did you used to go out by yourself at night? Maybe you can go out by yourself during the day instead? I'd look at how you spend your blocks of time, maybe you can just shuffle some things around.

**banana** · 11-29-2006, 08:38 PM

I also would give it some more time. I did struggle like you with part time jobs here and there when my son was small and always felt like I was missing out on quality family time and always ended up quitting the job. I finally found a job that is not great but works for my schedule. Now that my son is in school full time I work part time for the school district. Maybe you could look into something like that so you would be off when your kids are off and the summers too!