whats the latest you will work to

[danial]

Ive had some parents come over today, initially over the phone they said they would need me until 6:45 - 7:00 in the evenings and when they came over today they changed it and said they want it until 8pm.
My problem is this ... if i take this lovely little child on i will be working 13 hours a day, my son goes to bed at 7pm so i would not be able to bath him and put him to bed, and there is the possibility that he will get woken up at 8pm when the doorbell is rung.
What would you do, the child and parents are lovely i really don't like letting people down

[dawnydoo]

I only work until 5.30pm. My family are much older than yours, but you need to have family time too. Your son will grow up so fast so don't miss out on those special times. You also need time for yuorself. A few years back I got myself in the position of working 7 days a week because my numbers were down and I took on a family on the weekend then my numbers picked up during the week. I missed out on quite a few family things, not to mention just needing time off. Now I will not work late or on weekends.
If they are already changing the times they say they will need you it is likely to become even later
Dawn

[LADYBIRD]

Hi i only work till 5.30 also, I have worked long hours in the past 6-30-6.00! Idid it for just under a yr and then worked 7.30 -6. I have now made the decision to only work 8.00 till 5.30. I have had people who want me later but i have just said no. Some of them still took a place with me and arranged for granparents or other family members to pick up by 5.30 so worked out ok. I have realised that time with your own kids is soooooo important when i started this job my kids were 2& 5 they are now 7 and 10 nxt wk!!! I dont know where the time went i do feel like i have missed out on alot and sometimes wish i had started this job around now and not when they were so young ( although it still is the ideal job) Some people just dont understand the sacrifices we make to be flexible for them and how it affects our family time. Sometimes in the evenings my kids want me to do things with them but i am just so tired from doing things with the little ones and the school runs that i just dont want to. Even though i finish at 5.30 by the time i have cleared up and made our tea its turned 6oclock. My daughter does 8 1/2 hrs gym per week and my son does footie 4 times per week i have to rely on others taking (as i,m still working) and i always pick up so dont get back in the house til 8.30!! Then my weekends are gym and footie also but at least i get to go watch.
If you having negative thoughts about it then i wouldnt do it or i would see if they could get someone to pick up earlier. You would end up so tired otherwise and you wont want to go out or anything at the weekend as you will be so tired and your kids wouldnt want you like that, you need to have the energy and time for them also.
Vx

[Beckieboo]

Hi,

I have 6 yr old twin boys and 19 month old girly, i work until 6pm and no later. I think it is important for me and my bf to bath the children, read bedtime stories and put them to bed, whilst the other sorts our tea out. We need family time together and so there is no way i would work past six.

You have to do whats right for you, you make up the rules. I had an enquiry for a 6.30 am start till 9.00pm Its the little ones i feel sorry for, they should be snug as bugs in their own bed!!

Hope you sort it!
beckie xx