Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Judged for working only 30hours a week!

115 replies

layback · 02/06/2025 19:24

I work thirty hours a week, this is so I can care for my children before school and after as there are no after school activities or care available. I am constantly judged by others who make remarks like "alright for you part timer" or "well I work full time so don't have time for xyz" we have no family nearby and financially can afford this. It does at times feel like I'm not seen as doing anything of value! It's 7.5 hours less than what's considered full time!

OP posts:
Motomum23 · 02/06/2025 19:33

Honestly it's jealousy with most people. I work a 55+ hour week (admittedly as a childminder so I am home with my kids anyway) and can't wait until I can eek it down to a more realistic amount. X

Dontlletmedownbruce · 02/06/2025 19:32

I suspect it's one or two that repeatedly say this rather than random people saying it. I work between 15 and 20 hours per week and I've never received comments but I do pre empt it a bit and say that i work PT because I do a lot of childcare too. For me the tricky thing is people i work with who can't afford what I do, I leave halfway through their working day and always feel a bit shit especially if it's busy or they are feeling a bit unwell. If you are getting bitchy comments ignore them OP. People are envious and I understand, I was that person for many years when DC1 was little. But it's not ok to be mean about it

BirdsAreMuchLoved · 02/06/2025 19:32

I would say just ignore them. They are trying to be funny, failing but are trying. Also is none of there business. Just a thought is it the males that say this?

mumofoneAlonebutokay · 02/06/2025 19:31

People are jealous, just ignore

Doingmybest12 · 02/06/2025 19:30

People always have an opinion ,ignore them and do what works for you.

layback · 02/06/2025 19:29

I do at times say I get paid a part time wage! It's like I'm seen as a lazy person, I do all child care as my husband works away. I'm either at work or with my children yet feel I'm judged for it.

OP posts:
Psychoticbreak · 02/06/2025 19:29

Don't tell people how many hours you do. People always have an opinion. Always.

legsekeven · 02/06/2025 19:29

You can’t win. Remember you are a mother that means

“work full time”- so selfish think of your kids what a bad example
“work part time” selfish think of your work colleagues and your kids what a bad example
“stay at home mother” - selfish think of your kids what a bad example

Mew2 · 02/06/2025 19:28

I work 34hrs a week- and only earn £100 less amonth than I would working full time. To be around to do one day a week of school drop offs and pickups it's worth it!! People who say things like it's alright that you are a part timer are jealous in my opinion- that you are able to work less.....

DuringDinnerMints · 02/06/2025 19:27

I work 21 hours. I think sometimes people forget that I only get paid for those 21 hours!

ilovesooty · 02/06/2025 19:27

If anyone is rude enough to make those comments it would be reasonable to point out that it isn't their business.

Didntask · 02/06/2025 19:26

Don't spend time with people that judge you 🤷‍♀️. I only work 22.5 hours a week as l don't want ds in wrap around childcare any more than he already is. I couldn't care less what people think.

Longtimeloiterer · 02/06/2025 19:26

What I would give to work 30 hours a week again! After being made redundant I'm now on a full time contract and loathe it. Having that one extra day or fewer hours makes all the difference.

IPM · 02/06/2025 19:26

Just shrug and say 'yeah' 🤷‍♂️

Katemax82 · 02/06/2025 19:25

I don't work at all because of my kids so ignore twats who judge you!

Swipe left for the next trending thread