I used to sometimes do 6am - 9pm some days when I started out. It was long but not so bad. The 2 I had until 9 were 3 and very well behaved and they just played with my kids. I hardly knew they were here. So, I think you should consider anything especially when you're starting out in a new area.

Now, I wouldn't do it again unless I had to, but back then I had to. Thank goodness their mom when on mat leave is all I can say! I couldn't have done it forever, but it wasn't that bad when I did do it.

Right now my hours are 7 - 5:30 and I have a before and after school that starts as early as 6 am some days. But she's older and I can let her in, have my coffee and shower while she watches tv, so I don't mind so much.