Not sure which forum is more appropriate for this, employment or family matters, so I will put this here (which probably betrays my priorities).

I’m looking for a bit of advice from anyone who has gone through the same issues of childcare and working. Now that we have been here a month or so and have some of the fundamentals taken care of (housing, schooling for our eldest,) I am trying to figure out what to do about childcare and finding a job for myself. It is a real chicken-and-egg dilemma—there is no telling when I might find either suitable childcare or a suitable job.

Our children are four (she is starting kindergarten next month) and 10 months. If I find a job here, even part time, we will have to find childcare for both of them, which would cost close to half of what I could make. Thus, the only way we would use it would be if I found a good job.

I could start getting on every waiting list of every Kinderkrippe that I find, in hopes that something might come up at the same time that I find a job. It’s all about timing—if I find a place in a Kinderkrippe before I find a job, then I will have to turn down the place. If I find a job before I find childcare, I don’t see how I could accept the job.

How have other folks dealt with this dilemma?

We are not in Switzerland yet, but from my intelligence gathering from Swiss relatives, its preferable that my wife actually stays home to take care of the kids until at least of school going age, and probably in the meantime to do a part-time postgrad program. its not cheaper, but the kids benefit from the assisted transition to a new land and parents are a huge pole of stability in this respect. Our kids are almost the same age as yours +/- some months.
R.

The problem is that I just finished a law degree and would like to be able to use it. I am afraid if I stay home for the next four years, I will never be able to practice law. Unless, of course, I get an LLM from the university here, but I'm not sure my husband has the patience for that.... The plus side is that perhaps our children can play together.

Sara, quick question for you ... what sort of work are you looking for ? From previous posts I see that you are from the US, so a law degree, from whichever state you are from will be pretty meaningless, here in Switzerland. If you give some clarity around this, the folks here will be able to give you some more guidance (probably).

Plenty of mothers split their time, by working on a percentage scale which is very common here, ie.3 days a week (60%) & spending two with the kids to keep that side of things rolling along until school age. Just a thought that may prove a solution to your problem.

Regs P

Thanks, Pol. I know that I cannot practice Swiss law here, but there are a few opportunities for common law trained lawyers. I made a few contacts before I arrived here, and will follow up on them once I figure out how to move forward.

My problem is less where to look for work, and more how to manage the dual search for work and childcare. Even if I only work 60%, I still have to find childcare for that time. Right now, I am only considering Kinderkrippe--should I be looking for other options? Should I consider a Tagesmutter (is that an option that many expats use?) We will be in a flat, so we cannot really manage a live-in. I guess I just would like to hear from others how they tackled these issues.

Hi Sara,
My suggestion is to get a job first then only put your kids in the waiting lists of various kinderkrippe.
If you get a job and did not get any place for your kids, you can always look for Tagesmutter/Nanny for temporary solution. Local gemeinde usually has lists of tagesmutter/nannies and usually these are people who are certified and have their own kids also at home.
Check also this link: www.liliput.ch. This link list various krippe, nannies, montessori etc.
For your 4 years girl, look for montessori which is usually charging cheaper rate than the kinderkrippe.

i would look for a job and negotiate for the starting time. this would give you some time to find the kinderkrippe.
best of luck

Hi Sara,

I met you and your children at the coffee morning last week! My advice is start looking for employment now, (as it takes forever in Switzerland) and put the children's names down for Kinderkrippe!

Should you secure a job in the meantime and find yourself without childcare, I will be more than happy to help out in the interim. I currently work 3 days a week at a Playgroup in Adliswil, so I will be free most Wednesday's and Thursday's should you get desperate!!

Hopefully we will see you all again at the coffee morning on Thursday!!

Catherine x

Hi,
this is a really difficult problem for lots of working mums.Maman de jours or tagesmutter are not easy to find. I have contacted our local organiser but been told there is no-one available. I start work mid Sept and because hubby has to stay back in UK a while longer ,now have to fly out my sister to help with childcare.

Despite advertising for help on various websites have had no response. So if anyone is in the Vevey region and looking for part-time work , get in touch please.Or if anyone can suggest anything else ,let me know. Children are at school so only need help occasionally after school/Wed. pm or school hols. Altho` may have to send them off to camp/back to UK if cannot find someone.

jo