The big question - to work or not to work?

Over the last few months I have been deliberating whether I should go out to work. I want to work but I am torn between the extra money it will bring in and my son whom I love spending time with during the day. The other factor I have to consider is whether we will actually be financially better off. I am sure many mothers have faced the same question. With child care costs and the costs of petrol I am not sure that it is actually viable. In the Midlands I had my own ironing business which suited me fine as it fit around the kids and brought in a bit of extra cash. I don't know whether this is something I would really want to continue here. I have also considered an evening job perhaps a couple of nights a week so that Sam is home and I don't need to pay out for child care. But by the time the kids are in bed I am ready to park my bum down and do some crocheting! The time Sam and I have alone together is also precious. My plan is to ring up the national careers helpline and see what help there is for mothers that want to work. Perhaps there is some training or studying that I can do so that when William does start pre school (in a years time) I will be more employable? 

The thought of leaving William is a horrid one. I love our trips out and playing with him. Days like Monday when we went to lyme Regis for a walk......