'm a single mom with a five year old son. It's been two years since I graduated college and I haven't been able to find a job to start me on a career path in that time. In August I got a certificate for teaching English as a second language. (A CELTA, which isn't a whole lot of use in the U.S.) I recently went to Dubai to do some interviews. I had one interviewer tell me he would be willing to hire me as a teacher, but the job wouldn't pay enough for me to come out there with my son. But he did say he would be willing to hire me for only six months so I could get the experience I would need to move on to a better paying job.
I want to take the job, but I am concerned about being away from my son, how it would affect him and our relationship. He would stay with my parents while I did this (we live with them now) so it wouldn't be totally traumatic for him. I was wondering if anyone else had experience leaving a child for a long period like this and what the effects were?
2007-01-07 13:21:23 · 19 answers · asked by xantippe_summers 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
been there, done that when my daughter was 2 to 3 years old...I went back to mass and left her with my parents for a year and went to visit her twice in florida while i went to college in boston. She was fine and she is 8 almost 9 now and she has no effects from it. She is actually a smart girl and i think it is because my parents sspent a lot of time with her when she was young. she knew big words when i came back for her at 3 years old. I would defintely do it for your sons future. You will have a better paying job...I say go for it but call him at least 3 times a week and at least visit him once while you are gone for 6 months.
2007-01-07 13:29:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I can't believe all the people saying six months is not that long. To a five-year-old, it's an eternity. You didn't mention anything about a father, but it sounds like he's not in the picture, and now you want to leave your son without a mother for six months? Don't forget that a single, American woman in the Middle East is at considerable risk. I wouldn't even consider it. Why don't you register as a substitute in the school district where you live? If an opening comes up, you will already be known by the principals of the various schools where you have subbed, and have a leg-up for a better job. Take a job outside your field, if you have to. Just don't leave your son.
2007-01-07 13:40:35 · answer #2 · answered by Tiss 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should move away without your son for 6 months. That is too long for him to not have you there with him. You may want to consider on having your parents watch him while you keep searching for a job. You should think about getting a night-time job instead so that way you can be there to raise your son, rather than him not seeing you during the day, especially when he starts school.
Do what it takes just to be with him rather than being away from him. He needs that bond. He needs a mother, not a career mother.
2007-01-07 15:33:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I personally feel that your not doing anything wrong. If this is something to help you and your son get on the right path to being financially comfortable then go for it. It's not like you'll be leaving him forever, it's only 6 months. Your son is old enough to understand things. Sit down and explain to him why you're leaving and when you're comming back. Also I know it may be a little expensive, but talk to him everyday while your gone so he won't feel neglected. I wish you the best of luck in whatever decision that you make
2007-01-07 13:27:42 · answer #4 · answered by miss info 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wow you are really considering this??? I would never leave my child for 6 months. Of course it's going to be traumatic. He'll never know when you'll up and leave him again.
BY the way school systems are ALWAYS hiring.
2007-01-07 18:27:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to do what is best for your son in the long run. Buy a camera for your computer and one for him, that way you can see/talk to him everyday. Get the experience and the sacrifice will pay off when you can better provide for him. Good luck, it's a hard decision but thats what I would do.
2007-01-07 13:25:46 · answer #6 · answered by Honeypai 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think he is old enough to understand the basics of why you need to go and that its just temporary. If you have a good relationship with him now six months isn't going to effect it much. I assume you are planning on leaving him with relatives?? If he is going to be staying with someone he already knows well, then I wouldn't worry about him at all.
2007-01-07 13:23:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would never leave my child for a job - especially a six-month job. I could see if there was some training that would lead to a job that would pay very well to help you support your child. There is no guarantee after the six months. Not worth it.
2007-01-07 13:34:19 · answer #8 · answered by shorty_girl28 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i believe you need to do what you feel is best for your family...... however, from being in the military and seeing parents leave their children for 6 months, i heard a lot of stories that did not turn out great. some children really resent their parents, it's a hard concept for a 6 year old to understand. use your best judgement.
2007-01-07 13:32:32 · answer #9 · answered by 26 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would go for it.
6 months isn't that long of a time, and you can use email, web cams, snail mail and phone calls to keep in touch. Plus, it'll be setting you and your son up for a better life in the future.
2007-01-07 13:26:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋