SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

I had been a Pharmacy Supervisor for several years. 5 years ago, when DH and I decided to start a family, I took a step down (at a different hospital) into a Staff Pharmacist position, working 3 overnight shifts so that I could be home with my children for most of the week. The way it works out, I'm home Sunday thru Thursday during the day. I work Thurs, Fri and Sat nights. My sister watches my girls on Friday so I can sleep during the day, and DH is with them on Saturday. I am home around noon on Sunday, so if we have something to do as a family, we can; if not, I can take a short nap and then still be around for the majority of the day.

My oldest DD is 4. My youngest is 18mos, BUT she has a disorder in which she is developmentally delayed in all areas, and will be probably for life. She gets therapy currently 9 times per week (7 at home through EI and 2 at a rehab facility that I bring her to).

Recently, a position as a Pharmacy Supervisor has come open at my hospital. I'd love the opportunity to take the position, and it seems like my bosses really want me to as well. The position is a 5 day a week position, working some days (7-3) and some evenings (3-11). They may be flexible and let me work a weekend day in exchange for a weekday but I'm not sure how much more flexibility I will get.

DH is currently out of work, but we're hoping he'll find something soon. Even when he does find something, I will still be the primary breadwinner in the family.

I'm so torn about whether to apply for the position. I love my freedom of being home most of the week; and I love being available for my girls every day but Friday and Saturday. But, I kind of feel like I can make a difference as a supervisor; plus I think it will look really good on my resume that both places where I've worked as a pharmacist, I was promoted.

If I get the position, I can try to work out my younger DD's therapy schedule so that they can be done when I'm home. Plus, I'll have to figure out who will watch them once DH finds another job, which may mean putting them in daycare...which I'm not crazy about for the baby.

If you've gotten this far and are still following, thank you, and WWYD?

Message edited 11/22/2010 9:40:59 AM.

Re: Opinions on promotion and parenting (kind of long...sorry)

I wouldn't. I could be a RXM again, all I have to do is ask. I don't want it. When I dha DD I jumped of my career path with my company and went down to being a very PT staff pharmacist. I don't want the hassle, stress or the hours.
In our field as long as you're working and keeping current with stuff the opportunities will be there. It sounds like you have a great deal. Your children need you and your time now.
I will say that sometimes I read/hear about people with far less time than me getting promoted to big positions and I have a pang of jealousy and maybe long for a few minutes for that "power" position again but then I come back to reality and know that I really am happy with my decision. I don't like being at work the little that I am now, I certainly wouldn't want to be there more.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

Thanks for your view. That's kind of how I felt. But I also figure, since I do have to work FT either way, would it be better to have a more normal schedule and not be killing myself staying up all night to work.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

I don't know how stressful your job is but the hours (7-3) or (3-11) sounds reasonable enouch that you could still have freedom during the day with your children and for your youngests therapy sessions. The only thing that would be a factor is how much time do you spend commuting.. I know for me...if I worked from 7-3 that would still mean that I get home around 5-5:30pm. But it seems like you work close to home.

It's always tough to make these decisions because you want to be there emotionally and physically for your children every step of the way, but then you also want to provide for them financially and have them not want for anything. At the saem time you feel coflicted about what direction you want to take your career path in.

Weigh the pros and cons and discuss it with your DH.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

It sounds like a great opportunity. It seems like your weekends are exhausting and if your DH gets a M-F 9-5 job you will want to be around more on the weekends. Also as your younger DD gets older, if she still receives services, she will be eligible for a center-based program. I know that many 2 year old programs are half day and once she gets to be 3 the CPSE programs are full day. This may help you a bit with your daycare situation.

Good luck making a decision. I know it is not easy.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

If you are going to be working full time, these hours sound ideal. I would want my weekends free to spend with DH once he gets a full time job.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

I'd take it

Daycare (to me) isn't the end of the world, per se, the money on hand could help with further assistance and make other parts of your life easier. As the 4 yr old goes to school you'll have more home time with the younger one and honestly time will fly. Oppurtunity doesn't usually knock twice.

I am, however, a career woman. I took a pay cut to come back to TX and a position which sees no upward movement, however I keep my eyes to other avenues (just in case) and I am the breadwinner here. Always have been, always will be. My daughter thrives in school (daycare/montessori) and sure I'd like to spend more time with her, but if I did I'd be exhausted and only half there. I get my weekends and that's enough of a compromise. If I could get one weekday and one weekend I'd be happier really. She is happier being given full time attention that I could not manage with my job. She's also getting better assistance with learning (speech for her) and other things because they are pros and provide more than I could even think up.

I may be in the minority with my opinion. But I also think it is a great role model move too. To show hard work DOES pay off. And frankly this may be a step up not only for you but for your whole family. And it gives the hubby more breathing room that maybe HE can find a more flexible job, does that make sense?

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

This is JMO, of course you need to do what feels right for you and your family.

That said, it sounds as if you would like to give this a whirl. Can you step back into the position you were in relatively easily if you find this isn't for you? How rare are the positions you describe? If it's something that isn't going to cross your path often, and you would really like to try it out, I would go for it.

Re: SAHM and FTWM, weigh in

I say keep doing what you are doing, keep with the overnight hours.