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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have two days a week to myself?

138 replies

twofulldays · 25/05/2025 20:08

It’s been an intense few years and I’ve definitely taken on the lions share of parenting.

DS starts school in September, and am planning to stay 0.6, so three days a week. This obviously means I’ll have two days a week to myself if you like. But it also means on those days he won’t have to do breakfast / after school club.

The number of comments I’ve had about this has surprised me. AIBU to work part time with primary school aged children? I will have them all school holidays and I guess I feel I’ve earned a little time to myself in term time!

OP posts:
user1476613140 · 25/05/2025 20:17

Chipsahoy · 25/05/2025 20:14

I have children all in school and two are teens, I don’t work at all. Let people judge. Do what works for you and your family.

I have one that's just finished school, and three still in the school system. No, I don't feel guilty.

Enjoy OP🙌

Chasingsquirrels · 25/05/2025 20:16

I still work part time and my "kids" are now 22 living in London and 19 doing an apprenticeship.

user1476613140 · 25/05/2025 20:15

Enjoy two days to yourself, you deserve it.

Chipsahoy · 25/05/2025 20:14

I have children all in school and two are teens, I don’t work at all. Let people judge. Do what works for you and your family.

TheyreLikeUsButRichAndThin · 25/05/2025 20:14

God YANBU at all. I had FIVE days to myself when my 2 older ones started school!

I now work 3 days and when DD starts school I will definitely keep it at that. 2 days a week with nobody in my vicinity for 6 short hours a day sounds like heaven!

Gustavo77 · 25/05/2025 20:14

Trallia · 25/05/2025 20:11

Seems fine if you can afford it.

I expect to have to reduce my hours when my daughter starts school - nursery does 7.30am til 6pm - school won't!

Just ignore people. They're jealous that you're making this choice.

Once you've factored in drop offs and pick ups, it's literally just 12h to catch up on cleaning and life admin, as well as maybe squeeze in some exercise and hobby time if you're lucky. It's hardly an indulgence!

That's really sad that you're waiting until your child starts school before you cut your hours and she's in care for so long, you must hardly see each other 🙁

safetyfreak · 25/05/2025 20:13

Same situation here,

Looking forward to having 2 days to myself!

Whaleandsnail6 · 25/05/2025 20:13

As long as your household can afford it and your spouse (if you have one) is on board with the set up then its noones business.

Id love to work 3 days a week but we cant afford the income drop but I can definitely see why its appealing!

theunbreakablecleopatrajones · 25/05/2025 20:12

If you can afford it why not

HappyMuma · 25/05/2025 20:12

If I could work 3 days a week instead of 5 I would!!

ForZanyAquaViewer · 25/05/2025 20:11

Comments from whom? Presumably you are able to support yourself on 3 days a week (or have the support of a partner who is happy to), so not really seeing how it’s anyone else’s business?

ETA: I only went back to work when DC were three, and only work three days a week. I also have a nanny/housekeeper. The combination of all this makes some people furious. It’s quite amusing.

Evaka · 25/05/2025 20:11

Absolutely if it's what you want. Do you mean people are making snide comments about you having downtime? That's unhinged.

Trallia · 25/05/2025 20:11

Seems fine if you can afford it.

I expect to have to reduce my hours when my daughter starts school - nursery does 7.30am til 6pm - school won't!

Just ignore people. They're jealous that you're making this choice.

Once you've factored in drop offs and pick ups, it's literally just 12h to catch up on cleaning and life admin, as well as maybe squeeze in some exercise and hobby time if you're lucky. It's hardly an indulgence!