Should I quit my job to do daycare again?

[CrazyEight]

I get where you're coming from, but I would kill for a chance to have a job like yours. I wouldn't leave it for just about anything.

I say this because yes, I may have time to fold some laundry during naptime, I am able to pick my kids up from school, but I am struggling right now to be PRESENT with my kids. I am so exhausted and drained mentally from taking care of other peoples' children that I find that my time with my kids is lacking QUALITY, even though I am always home.

The grass is always greener on the other side. I dream of working outside the home, even though I know I would miss so much with my youngest, who is only 20 months old. You dream of having time at home without having to schedule it so much, but the reality probably won't be as rosy as you hope. Just trying to play devil's advocate a bit, I don't mean to burst your bubble.

Personally, I think you've got it pretty good. I haven't been able to go on any field trips or attend school assemblies, as I have a house full at home. My husband complains about his job and having to work some evenings and weekends, but he has the flexibility to do more with our kids' school than I have.

I think you could try to implement some changes when school starts up again, and see how it goes for a few months before deciding. For example:
-if you could afford to, a nanny like the previous poster suggested. Even if it wasn't fulltime, where do your boys go after school? Could you hire someone to pick them up from school, bring them home, and start their homework with them, eliminating the need for you to do that after dinner? The person could also start dinner, leading me to my most life-saving tip ever (lol)

-The crockpot! Make meals ahead of time, freeze them in large bags, toss it into the slowcooker in the morning, and dinner can be pretty much done by the time you get home. It'll take some trial and error, but I do this at least 3 times a week. I get everything chopped and measured and such in the morning during snacktime (but you could do a bunch of recipes on the weekend in very little time), toss it all in, and I don't have to worry about dinner.

Your job has the flexibility to attend things with your kids' school, you don't work evenings and weekends, and you have summers off! That is incredible - maybe you can find a way to tweak your schedule at home so you don't feel so rushed, and it might help you have the best of both worlds. Good luck with whatever you decide!