Long story short, a good friend of mine had a baby a few weeks ago. Her other children are 9 and 13, it was a bit of a surprise, but a happy one. She works shifts, and must work two 12 hour shifts each week. She had arrangements with a relative to watch the baby, but the relative backed out. Now she has asked me if I would be interested AND would I also watch her sister's baby, who is one month older.

Meanwhile, I am scheduled for tests/interviews for a part-time job in my kids' school district. Not sure yet what it would be, as they match you to positions available after the tests/interviews.

I am trying to find something part-time to begin to earn some money after 21 year as a SAHM, and don't know which way to turn. The idea of taking care of her baby is tempting, as she has said she will pay me more than the district is offering, and it is cash. The idea of taking care of two is overwhelming in that it will make it really difficult to go anywhere, or do anything. (I did it when I was younger, taking care of my 3 boys and my sister's baby, who was about 6 months, same as my youngest at that time.)

Trying to think through the pros and cons of this and would appreciate any input!! Thanks.

I think the baby thing is still too fresh in my mind, but lets put it this way NOOOOOOOOOOO! One baby is fine, but 2 that close and that little would really be tough, even going grocery shopping would be a chore again forget about any lind of life other than the babies. ANd I would hate to say yes and then not be able to handle it after I said I would, I would be the one who suffered silently because I made a commitment. As a backup I would say yes, maybe if it was only for a week or two, but I would put a time limit on it.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

lol! She wants me to commit to 2 to 3 months, so she can see what happens with her job, and won't feel he's such a peanut if she does have to use a daycare. Since it would be 2 days per week, though long days, I'd still have the rest of the week for all my running.

I did it some 20 years ago; you sound like you are about my age. I had a good time back then and really enjoyed it, I don't think I would enjoy it as much now. I really like going somewhere to work - get out of the house.
It sounds like your kids are older, too. Do you really want to deal with diapers, spit-up, etc. again?
The money-part is tempting, but you are going to be stuck. You can't work your way up or take advantage of formal education you had.

bingding...you're on the same page as my husband. His point is that if I am trying to re-enter the workforce, unsure which direction I'll be going in the future, the childcare adds nothing to my already paltry resume'. And yes, my youngest is now 10, so it will be a shock to the system.

I'll have to really think about all this. Thank you.

2 or 3 days a week wouldn't be SO bad, I was thinking every day! But like you said, it's a step backward really if you are trying to get out into the work force.

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"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you really WANT to enter the work force, then babysitting wont help with that. If its just to make some extra money, 2 days a week is not that bad.