What flex would you request?

[Glitterbaby17]

DD is 8 months and I’m preparing to return to work at the beginning of May. I’m in a senior role in a team that doesn’t have any current part timers but in an organisation that is family friendly in other teams. They have asked me what I want to do and are prepared to be flexible so I’m in a good position.

We are in the process of moving out of central London so my commute will be 70 mins. I can WFH one day a week, and flexing 8-4 or 10-6 is not a problem, but on days DH and I are both commuting she will be in childcare for 10 hours.

I’m definitely going to go 4 days a week and could probably go 70 %. Those with experience of returning would the extra half day be better used to finish an hour earlier on each of the 4 days, work 3.5 days a week, or do alternate 3 and 4 day weeks. My Mum is happy to look after DD for a day every other week so the alternate weeks could mean just 3 days childcare a week. But heart still breaks a bit over long days.

Or is 70% professional suicide? Really won’t know what to do and they are very much putting ball in my court. I’ve worked hard and career is important to me but so is giving DD love and attention she needs while she’s little...

[Amanda89x]

I do 3 days one week and 4 days the next. I used to do the 3.5 days, but honestly the half day is no benefit to anyone as it’s hard to get a job finished or fully into before looking up and realising it’s nearly lunchtime. Also, as you’re doing the long commute, it will save you a bit if not having to commute one day eow.

[RebeccaWrongDaily]

What concessions is your partner making in his career? I work/ed Monday/Tuesday/Thursday. DH took Friday. I did 4 days compressed into 3. DH did full time compressed into 4 days.

We alternated drop offs/pick ups based around each others schedules.

Half days are really not good for anyone.

[caroldecker]

Can you really switch off/not work the hours not in the office? Many people in senior roles get paid part-time but do a full time job.

[Glitterbaby17]

Thanks for the insights - seems a half day wouldn’t be of much benefit. Would it be worth spreading it to finish an hour earlier each day or better to have an extra full day each fortnight.

In reality we all work more hours than we are paid for. I won’t switch off necessarily but will mean I’m not in the office and hopefully just contacted for urgent stuff 😬 So stressed about the whole thing.

My husband is wfh on Fridays, and we will share pick up and drop offs.

[itsmeyouknow]

Keen to know how you end up with this. In a similar situation