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Original poster

To think it’s uncommon to both work full time with small kids?

185 replies

workingFTM · 06/01/2025 18:48

I’m on maternity leave and thinking about my options for how many hours I’ll do when I return. Among those I know pretty much everyone is back part time after having a baby. Would you say it’s the same among those you know? In all families with young kids that I know, at least one parent has some kind of flexible working arrangement and if they don’t then family usually do all or some of the childcare. It’s a balance as I want max time off with my baby first and foremost but equally want to make sure I keep my foot in the door career wise for all sorts of reasons.

OP posts:
MollyButton · 06/01/2025 18:55

It used to be unusual but most people can't afford less than full time although they may have a staggered return or work compressed hours.

EasterIssland · 06/01/2025 18:55

I’m In a group of y2 school mums. Out of 12 only 2 work FT(myself being one of them). Most of them work 3-4 days/week. I was the only one that went FT when my son was 8months. In my sector (IT) it’s not that common part time and I’d struggle to do my roll.
I do WFH tho 4 days a week and 1 day in the office

Dramatic · 06/01/2025 18:55

In my area it's very uncommon for both parents to be working full time. I'm actually struggling to think of a single family I know/know of where this is the case

LittleRedRidingHoody · 06/01/2025 18:55

It depends on your friendship groups I think. Most in my circle work FT, but that's because I work FT! There's a group of mum friends in DSs Year who work PT, another who are mostly SAHMs, another who work full time but at old hours/shift work.

shouldiquit1 · 06/01/2025 18:54

I think it's cultural. Where I live (not UK) the vast majority of parents work full-time.
It's absolutely doable.

SpongeBabeSquarePants · 06/01/2025 18:53

It's normal to work full time ime. Mortgages depend on dual incomes these days.

MaMoosie · 06/01/2025 18:53

Most of my circle both parents work full time.

moonlight1705 · 06/01/2025 18:52

Not normal here, lots of women are working full time. When my DD started nursery, she was one of about 20 children in the age 1 class who were full time.

Soontobe60 · 06/01/2025 18:52

Most people I know with young children have continued to work full time. I do know a few who have negotiated compressed hours over 4 days or both parents have, so they use their days off to reduce childcare costs and each parent has 1 day at home with the child.

JustMarriedBecca · 06/01/2025 18:51

I think it's quite unusual. Most women in my circle (law) went back PT 4 days a week. Had another baby within a year. Back 4 days then up to FT when the youngest is 3.5-4 and in preschool.

That said, it's shit doing 4 days in any kind of professional services industry. Everyone expects you to do a 5 day a week job in 4 but get paid for 4 days. It does keep your hand in though for when you are ready to lean back in.

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