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Original poster

What's the optimum working week?

31 replies

witmum · 10/04/2024 16:23

What is the optimum working pattern to juggle pick up/drop off and school holidays? I just can't work it out.

This is my last year before DS starts school and I potentially need to apply to change my working pattern. My employer is flexible but I am in a senior management role.

I currently work 30 hours over 4.5 days. I think I could reduce to 27 without any concern but i need as much annual leave as possible.

DH can do the majority of drop offs but there are weeks her is away with work.

Family may be able to help with holidays and holiday clubs.

Agggghhhhh I can't to the maths.

OP posts:
Original poster
witmum · 10/04/2024 17:43

Soupsetanddefeated · 10/04/2024 16:49

Id be looking at some sort of wraparound provision? Id maybe look at after school so you have that in place then you retain the flexibility to cover the drop offs when DH is away?

The optimum pattern depends on so many factors it's impossible to say. For me, I do 34 hours in 4 days with a day off on Friday. I do 2 days in the office and 2 wfh but these vary week by week so aren't fixed. Because of the variance, we use wraparound morning and evening Monday - Thursday which is paid for each month but on my WFH days I'll keep my DS at home for breakfast and take him to school myself so he only actually uses the wraparound 2 mornings a week. A few people have said it's a waste of money but it works for us.

I think that is what we will have to do. Pay for the convenience.

I was hoping there was a cheat code on the best working pattern to have and that I had just missed the email.

OP posts:
Sirzy · 10/04/2024 17:43

When you know the school look into what wrap around there is that may help with decision (check early about how to book)

look what holiday club provision is available locally too.

Original poster
witmum · 10/04/2024 17:41

WhiteLeopard · 10/04/2024 16:46

Say you reduced to 27.5, that's 5.5 hours a day, so you might be able to do all drop off and pick ups (depending on what time DS's school finishes and how long it takes for you to get there from work). So you wouldn't need after school care but you would need holiday care 5 days a week.

Or how about you work 2 long days, 2 short days and he goes to after school club twice a week?

None of my combinations until now have been long and short. I will give that a go.

Thanks you

OP posts:
Crunchymum · 10/04/2024 16:51

How is your annual leave calculated?

Hourly?

Soupsetanddefeated · 10/04/2024 16:49

Id be looking at some sort of wraparound provision? Id maybe look at after school so you have that in place then you retain the flexibility to cover the drop offs when DH is away?

The optimum pattern depends on so many factors it's impossible to say. For me, I do 34 hours in 4 days with a day off on Friday. I do 2 days in the office and 2 wfh but these vary week by week so aren't fixed. Because of the variance, we use wraparound morning and evening Monday - Thursday which is paid for each month but on my WFH days I'll keep my DS at home for breakfast and take him to school myself so he only actually uses the wraparound 2 mornings a week. A few people have said it's a waste of money but it works for us.

WhiteLeopard · 10/04/2024 16:46

Say you reduced to 27.5, that's 5.5 hours a day, so you might be able to do all drop off and pick ups (depending on what time DS's school finishes and how long it takes for you to get there from work). So you wouldn't need after school care but you would need holiday care 5 days a week.

Or how about you work 2 long days, 2 short days and he goes to after school club twice a week?

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