Should I increase my hours or will I regret it?

[parsnipthecat]

I've been back at work 7 months after returning when DD was 12 months. I do 4 days a week but struggle to get everything done and that makes me stressed. I'm thinking of doing 4.5 days a week, half day extra from home, but will I regret not spending the time with her - I love my Fridays with her but end up thinking about work and catching up during nap time (I'm often late in after childminder drop-off). She'd have to do the half day at a new nursery.

[parsnipthecat]

Oh, plus we have a bit of debt, and it would help pay it off quicker. And we're ttc and more hours would mean higher maternity pay if and when we have another.

[nikosmum2010]

I would have said ok to doing extra half day with same childminder but having a new nursery for only half a day, is maybe not worth the change for baby. Maybe wait until current childminder has space? Or use nearby family?