full time or casual status?

Almost a year ago i started a job that I have always wanted-as a Case Manager. I had hoped for part time but they only had a temporary fulltime (for 1 year) then I woud have the option to take a full time, partime or casual posting.
I have never worked fulltime before this. I had to put my kids in a before and after school program (they are now 11 and 9). The program is $1200 a month for both kids.
Now, I must say I have found working fulltime to be VERY busy.

My point-I can continue and take a permanent fulltime posting now. Or I can switch to casual status which means I am not guaranteed any hours. I give them my availability and they book me if they need me. However it is well known that there is no shortage of hours. Casual staff can choose their own hours basically.

So, I could do casual, take the kids out of the program and work only while they are in school. So I could work 0930-1430. I could pick up one weekend a month and still make the same money as I would fulltime. However, there are not guarantees. Plus, then I would no longer have my own desk, I would have to set up my laptop at someone else's vacant desk.
At any point there I could take another posting if it wasnt working out.
Is there a question here?

Quote from linearthinkerIs there a question here?

Well I would never work FT unless my children were starving and losing weight, so I'm not the best person to ask. Your post does not make any case for staying on FT, so you would have to outline the positives you see assoc w/ that.

Quote from linearthinkerWell I would never work FT unless my children were starving and losing weight, so I'm not the best person to ask. Your post does not make any case for staying on FT, so you would have to outline the positives you see assoc w/ that.

Do you need the money? If so keep it. If not, don't.

Be very careful..going casual or per diem status sounds great. Sure there are hours available now but no promises. I have gone this route twice, plenty of work, make your own schedule etc..got burnt both time..hours dried up and I was out of a paycheck....You never know what can and will happen at any job.Just be sure you can deal with the worst case ...just in case!

The first thing I would do is find a before/after program that doesn't cost $1200/month, regardless of the job issue. That's exorbitant.

Quote from nlmooreBe very careful..going casual or per diem status sounds great. Sure there are hours available now but no promises. I have gone this route twice, plenty of work, make your own schedule etc..got burnt both time..hours dried up and I was out of a paycheck....You never know what can and will happen at any job.Just be sure you can deal with the worst case ...just in case!

Quote from dudette10The first thing I would do is find a before/after program that doesn't cost $1200/month, regardless of the job issue. That's exorbitant.

You didn't mention anything about benefits. I'm assuming that the casual position would not have healthcare/life insurance. This would be a deciding factor for some.

Quote from GM2RNYou didn't mention anything about benefits. I'm assuming that the casual position would not have healthcare/life insurance. This would be a deciding factor for some.