Work Dilemma..need Some Advice

I'd start saving now and take the FT gig. Seven days a week is sure jumping in with both feet after being home for 3 years. Not having any weekends? That will be hard.

I've done FT + PT and frankly I couldn't handle working 7 days a week (plus a night or two, so I worked 8AM to 10PM those days) and I was in college. I burned out.

It would be one of the few times I'd consider using a credit card to float but ONLY if I paid it off IN FULL at the end of the month.

I'd take the first job. It has potential and pays good money. Adding on the second job will only burn you out. Money will be tight for the first month, but maybe you can borrow a few hundred dollars from your parents or a close friend? It's worth it to be at your best for the career potential job.

If it were me and I had to go to work I'd probably take the first job (temp with great money and potential for permanent and advancement) and make the money work until December (knowing it will be tight). Sit down and make a budget of your money between now and then so you don't spend more than you have and you can make it work. Going from sahm to 7 days a week would be so difficult for me and I don't think I could do it...you have to decide what your priorities are for you. Tough decision. I hope whatever you decide is really what you want and that you're able to make it work. Pros and cons to both. Maybe sit down and make a list of pros and cons for each and go from there. Good luck!

I would attempt to work both jobs for now. Here's why...

You don't know how long the background check will take, what if it takes a month? What if something negative (an error exists) appears on the background check?

What are the retail hours? Lots of time retail is only in 6 hour shifts. Let them know upfront what your availibility is.

If you discover doing both isn't working, you can always quit.

I would hesitate to take the weekend job. If you've been a SAHM the five day a week job will already be a big adjustment. Most of us aren't programmed to work seven days a week.

I haven't read your responses, but I've certainly been in similar situations. I believe strongly believe in the importance of life balance especially since you're a mom. Take the first and my suggestions would be, see if you can take the bus (a little extra "you" time can be a bonus if you need to be on your game) or carpool with someone. If not, how badly are you hurting for money? Can you apply for some services that my help for the next month? I know food stamps is actually available to more people than folks realize. Or perhaps you can ask for an advance after the first couple of weeks. Although to be honest all the temp work I've ever done was paid weekly, so this is unusual from my experience. Is there anything you can sell to gain a little cash? A garage sale or something you can sell on Craiglist? Do you have a credit card you can pay back at the end of the month? You'll make it work I'm sure. It would be a shame to lose the future opportunity over one month of unease. Good luck!!