Today was the first test! – Mummascribbles

The working hours at my new job are different to the ones at my last job. I’ve mentioned before that my last job was wonderfully flexible and it was my biggest worry about taking on this one. Thankfully, they were very accommodating and we agreed start and finish times before I signed on the dotted line. I currently have sole responsibility for shipping Zach to and from my mum’s and to and from nursery. The commute from mum’s is fine..the commute from home is slightly longer and involves a variety of trains!

Last night I sat talking to the other half about the fact that I really need to get the 8.07 train because any later and I’ll be late. I’d agreed I’d give it a go doing both nursery drop offs but that if I keep rocking up late twice a week I’d really appreciate some help with just one drop off.

Today was the first test. I dropped Zach off just after 7.30 (thank gawd his nursery have long opening hours!) and got back home at about 7.50. I parked the car and took a stroll round to the station, topped up my Oyster card, grabbed a pain au chocolat and made my way over the bridge to the platform. Upon arriving at the platform, those dreaded words were there…cancelled. Of course it wouldn’t be a simple journey!

The next train was due at 8.12 but was expected at 8.15. So I knew, while standing waiting for the ruddy train, that I was going to be late on my second day! That on top of turning up sick because Zach has given me his stinking cold wasn’t great!

Thankfully all of the other connections were pretty good so I only got in 10 minutes late and of course, they were fine about it! I had told them to bare with me while I get used to the different journeys!

The next test was leaving work and getting back for Zach! They have agreed that on nursery days I can leave at 16.30 because quite simply, if I leave much later, I’ll be picking him up late and paying the extra charges!!

I left the office just after half four (I was in a meeting with HR and when she realised I was late leaving, she was literally pushing me out the door!). I already knew I wouldn’t make the train I would have to usually rush for so I didn’t have to rush but I was worried about Zach being in nursery for longer, being the last one there, all the usual working parent guilts!
I got to the car, I got stuck in traffic, I had very little petrol in my car and it was all a bit stressful!

I got to Zach at 18.05 and really, I needn’t have worried! He was in his room with his friends who were visiting from his old room (I can’t wait for them to move up because he loves them), he was happy, happy to see me but also just happy because he loves nursery. In fact, sometimes I’ve wondered if I should have previously left him there a bit longer anyway because he loves it so much!

The end result is that I shouldn’t have stressed. Yes, I do have to rush around a bit and it is all a bit stressful but if the train’s cancelled, there’s really nothing I can do! And the same at the other end – if I miss the earlier train, an extra 15 minutes in nursery really isn’t going to matter to him!

As for me, I’ll try getting in on time again on Thursday and see how I get on!

How do all you other working mum’s/dad’s juggle your childcare? Do you find it as stressful or do you have an easy commute? I’d love to hear your tales!