Worried about my new job!

[MichelleCarmen]

A few weeks (or so) back, I posted asking about the commutes some of you have because I needed perspective. Well, it turns out my job will be eight hours a day and the location is 1 hr. and 20 minutes away, so I''ll be on the road for about 2 1/2 hours each way.

The economy sucks right now and it''s not right for me to complain, I''m just so upset as this is NOT at all what I had envisioned for my future and family life in general. My goal was to work with kids and try and coordinate a schedual around my childrens'' school hours, but now, here I am stuck driving long distances for a job in an entirely different field and not seeing my kids (two young elementary school children), but also, in addition, paying for both before and after school child care! During the school year, it''ll cost $700 a month and during the summer, it''s $1,000!

Possibly without kids, I would have been career driven, but as a mom, my priorites have changed and I''d rather make less money and have more time to devote to my boys, but now that isn''t an option.

Ah, yeah I know I''m whining.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

MC, I totally understand how you''re feeling... and I honestly believe you''re not feeling anything almost every other working mother feels when she leaves her children to go off to work...but, stay strong. You''re setting a wonderful example for your boys...showing them that you really can have it all...and by having a strong work ethic, what you''re doing is laying a good foundation that is to their benefit. You may no longer have tons of uninterupted time to play legos, or go to the park...but that doesn''t mean the you will have is any less important. With kids, its quality not quantity.

Big hugs.

 

[mrssalvo]

wow, an hour and 20 minute commute? I just applied for a job that''s full time and about 30 minutes and think it''s too far. I''ve got kids too and have to be able to leave and quickly get them from school so 30 minutes is pushing my distance comfort zone. I do know with the economy the way it is it''s nice to even have a job though.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Do you have to take the job? 10 1/2 hour days would not be an option for me.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 1/20/2009 4:43:23 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Do you have to take the job? 10 1/2 hour days would not be an option for me.

I couldn''t do it...Is it going to be worth it for you?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Date: 1/20/2009 4:43:23 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Do you have to take the job? 10 1/2 hour days would not be an option for me.

Oh, you know I have to. What a mess. It's not like I cannot find another job. In fact, I was in the process of taking classes to be hired on to work with kids. Due to lack of funding, the job wouldn't be available until March and I pretty much have the position. There will be more than one opening and the HR woman and I had talked and she was interested because of all my experience! Then, someone I know told me she got me a job somewhere else. It pays good and there is no way I can refuse it as it would be demonstrating ungratefulness. Nobody would talk to me ever again.

And, yes, my kids will adjust and all that. . .but what about dinner, grocery shopping, laundry, housework, etc.? I do EVERYTHING!

 

[oobiecoo]

2.5 hours on the road each day isn't good for your stress levels. My max would be about 45 minutes each way... I used to do it for school and it was not fun. It's not TOO bad to drive 5 minutes to work or school in the fog or heavy rain... but driving over an hour in that stuff is really unsafe. This looks like a bad situation... since much of your income will be going to daycare anyway, can you afford to work closer to home in a lower paying job or something less professional or less hours? You'll save on daycare costs AND your sanity! Good luck if you do start the job though.

ETA: I think I was typing while you were posting. Its nice that someone got this job for you but don't take it to please other people... take it only if it is right for YOU and your family. No one can fault you for doing the best for your kids.

 

[tlh]

What a difficult situation!!!
HUUUUUUGGGGSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[AmberGretchen]

That sounds like a dreadful commute MC, I''m so sorry. I don''t know what to offer except that I really hope the situation turns out to be temporary and you can find something closer to home.