Should I take the job??

[borntoshop]

I have been a stay at home mom for 7 years. Out of the whim, I applied for a position as a secretary in a field that I worked in before I quit my job to stay at home. I thought it was a long shot that I would get it, but put my name in the hat. When I found out that 75 people applied for the job, I thought I wouldn't get it. Then I got the interview ... long story, short, I got the job! So here's why I am not jumping up and down ...

The hours are during the school day, 10-2. However, on days off like winter break, the kids would have to be home alone. They are 9 (almost 10) and 7 (8 in March). I counted 16 days for the rest of the school year that they would have to be home alone. The office is only 5 minutes away if I needed to come home. Summer hours would be 8-12. They would need to be home alone from that time. I am not sure if I want them to home alone for 4 hours.

On the flip side, it's an opportunity for me to get out and be social and make an impact on a program. It's also an opportunity to keep my skills up. I don't know if an opportunity like this will come my way when I want it to. Ideally, we wanted to wait until my oldest was 12 before we wanted them to home alone.

I am thinking of taking it and if it doesn't work out for the kids to be home alone to quit. I am not a quitter, so it's hard for me to think of it in that way. Any thoughts?

[StacyNVA]

I would ask how well your kids get along. Also is there a Boys and Girls club or something like that around that they could go to while you work?

[amylynne01]

If I could find child care for my kids at that age, I would take it. I wouldn't leave 9 and 7 yr old alone or even an 10 and 8 yr old over the summer.

[borntoshop]

Overall, they get along well. There are always the sibling squabbles in a family. I don't think paying for a babysitter or putting them in a program would be worth it as it pays 11.50/hour. To be honest, I would rather be home with the kids during the summer. I think that is the part I am struggling with. That's a long time (3 months) for them to home alone for 4 hours/day. Am I talking myself out of the job??

[FunnyFace]

Am I talking myself out of the job??

Yes, it sounds like you are. If your heart is at home and the money would be nice and not needed then I think this is where you belong. You may find another opportunity in the future when you are comfortable leaving your children alone and don't have to work during the summers. How do your husband and children feel about it?

[borntoshop]

My son who is ultra sensitive is thinking about the things that wouldn't be the same. My daughter (youngest one) is oblivious and thinks it would be great. (Everything is great in her world!) My husband said yes this weekend and no this morning. I said no this weekend and yes this morning. I have to decide by tomorrow, so this "talking" is helping.

[shelleyf]

My son who is ultra sensitive is thinking about the things that wouldn't be the same. My daughter (youngest one) is oblivious and thinks it would be great. (Everything is great in her world!) My husband said yes this weekend and no this morning. I said no this weekend and yes this morning. I have to decide by tomorrow, so this "talking" is helping.

I will pray you make the right decision for you and your family. But what I learned a long time ago is "when in doubt, leave it out" so that is my answer to you. I think it would be a great opportunity for you to get out of the house but I think the kids are too young to be alone. What would happen if a fire broke out or something? Not trying to scare you but I want you to think of all the "what ifs" before deciding. I think you know what you need to do. I think if you took the job you would be so worried about your kids being alone and you need to check the laws where you live. It might not even be legal to leave young kids alone at that age but I am not sure. Not judging you by any means on what you decide. Only you and your husband can make this decision and I pray you both agree on it as it will cause problems if you aren't in agreement.

[lovemygirls]

If you do not feel like it is the right time for you that would be your answer. I am not a stay at home mom. I just cannot do it. I have other things I think about as well like saving for retirement and college funds for the girls. My husband also is a seasonal worker as construction gets slow in the winter. We would not make it if I stayed home. We have great programs that the parks and rec department do around here to keep the kids busy that is pretty well priced. The boys and girls club here only charges $50 per year for each child and they do fun things in the summer as well as longer breaks like Christmas. Whatever the decision may be you will make the right one for yourself. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[jluper7297]

I would first think about how mature are your kids? I have a 13 yr old who thinks like a 30 yr old. I have been letting her be home alone since she was 9. Only for maybe an hour at a time for the first couple of year, but now that she has proven herself to be responsible many, many times over, I do let her stay home even while I work an 8 or 9 hour shift. I think it's all up to you and your husband and kids. Before making any final decision I would definitely consult the kids and make sure they are okay with it and know the ground rules and how to handle different situations.

[borntoshop]

Thanks for being a sounding board, everyone! I asked about having the kids in the program while I worked and that is a possibility. My husband and I have decided that they are not old enough to stay home alone for 4 hours. We have to crunch some numbers and see if it is worth it. Thanks again for your help. It made things so much clearer for me.