Summary
My partner is earning triple my wage atm (own business)
I am on maternity for a year in the UK. Currently have a 3 month old
My work is 2 days WFH 3 days travelling 1.5hrs each way into London
(My promotion was rescinded before going on maternity leave)
We live 30m drive from parents, 1.5hrs by public transport (his parents dont drive)
We have a mini tesco at the end of our road, park for the dog, two nice pubs within 2 mins walking distance
Its a 5m drive to the highstreet we hardly go to which has 4 restraunts like pizza express, 3 supermarkets, hair dressers, costa, post office
Our current house
– we feel like we can't do much as we need to drive far to do anything
– 3 bedroom (2 small double rooms and box room as an office)
– Small alcove closet for our clothes
– My old triple wardrobe and chest of draws in our sons so we have more room for clothes as the closet has limited space.
– Kitchen is small and its got awkward cupboards etc.
– No space to utilise dining table. Currently used as extra sideboard space
– Eat off a coffee table in front room. Will have to try use dining table when son is older
– Living room is okay… small L shaped sofa with coffee table infront. Chest of draws one side of room, displqy cabinet the other and tv on opposite side. We can fit babys play mat in middle thats it
– Garden is decent. Got room for outdoor sofa and extra grass space for dog run for 2 seconds to get to other side aha
– downstairs toilet cubical
– Upstairs bathroom with bath and shower but its very tight
– Very limited storage
We both would LOVE a more functional house but would also love me being a SAHM which will be easier if we stay here until hes at least 3 maybe
But perks of moving
– closer to parents (ie. 10m or less)
– Closer to London (1hr public transport) which means easier for work and going to places for days out
– Bigger house (storage places, better kitchen space, actually have the chance to use a dining table, maybe more space for baby to play
– Will be in the right attachment area for school and can apply early
– Will be 10m or less to local hospital vs currently 30m
Its a lot to weigh up but we want to decide by March next year as we have 2 years on our fixed mortgage rate. After that it might increase dramatically and we want a slightly bigger loan on this current rate
So WWYD?
* I would have to go back to a relatively toxic workplace for at least 3 months either way because they boosted my maternity pay for 3 months and they take it all back if you hand in your notice
** If I went back to work rather than SAHM I would look at a mum friendly workplace that specialises in hiring part time mums but will be a bit of a pay cut