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Original poster

If your take home pay was 5k a month, would you do this?

137 replies

Juso · 09/02/2026 14:16

Current situation is a single parent (ex does the bare minimum, he’s never even done a nursery run!) and doesn’t pay a penny (constantly out of work and gives me 100 here and there).

My current job is flexible, I can do pick up when I want and get to the office when I want. I can work from home when suits.

Ive been offered a role which requires 9-4 in the office, four days a week. But, it’s 1k a month more after tax. I wouldn’t have to spend more on childcare as dd is already in to 5pm.

I feel so conflicted. Things are ok at the moment but it’s hard to give up the extra 1k especially when you’re ok your own. But I might be making a mistake with being happy where I am and having flexibility. Wha would
you do?

OP posts:
sittingonabeach · 09/02/2026 14:25

Do you do 4 days a week now?

SleepingStandingUp · 09/02/2026 14:25

Ablondiebutagoody · 09/02/2026 14:21

I wouldn't do that while dc is so young. Would feel far too guilty putting them in childcare for longer. Dc won't care about that grand but they will notice you not being around.

Dc is in childcare til 5 regardless of ops hours.

Honestly I know life can change but if you have a well child I'd take the money. If you dint "need" it save it all. Give yourself extra cushion or treats.

titchy · 09/02/2026 14:25

How likely is new role to be a bit flexible once dc at school - which is when you’d need it (settling in sessions, Christmas play, carol service, harvest festival, class play etc there’s a lot once they’re at school!)? Or do you have grandparents that can be attentive attendees?

Redcrayons · 09/02/2026 14:25

What’s the commute like and what are the costs? Don’t underestimate cost of petrol and parking per day. If it’s £1k before tax, and there’s a big commute then you might find you’re not as well off as you think you are.

glassof · 09/02/2026 14:24

I would go for it. Its not long hours, you have the childcare sorted. 1k more a month is a lot.

toomuchfaff · 09/02/2026 14:23

How old is your DC?

I think id be less inclined if they were young due to the loss of flexibility as you're the one who has to deal with all situations as a parent, unless of course you have a very helpful village.

I'm very biased as I love the flexibility of WFH and all its benefits and absolutely hate the prospect of a job requiring me to be onsite.

poolcrew · 09/02/2026 14:23

Don’t underestimate the value of flexibility. I’ve recently moved to a 9-5 job, in office 5 days a week. I can’t wfh and find it hard to juggle everything sometimes. Also commuting in rush hour adds another half hour each way to my journey thanks to traffic

titchy · 09/02/2026 14:22

Ablondiebutagoody · 09/02/2026 14:21

I wouldn't do that while dc is so young. Would feel far too guilty putting them in childcare for longer. Dc won't care about that grand but they will notice you not being around.

But the dd would be in childcare for the same time?

SummerHouse · 09/02/2026 14:22

So are you on 5k and this takes you to 6k. Or are you on 4k with this meaning 5k?

I think either way I would keep the flexibility but especially if it's the difference of 5 to 6.

I can imagine the money is needed but probably more so the flexibility.

binkie163 · 09/02/2026 14:21

There is a lot to be said for flexibility without stress. Do you need the extra, would it be worth the hassle? I don't think I would unless I really needed the money.

ACynicalDad · 09/02/2026 14:21

If kids were 8/9, I'd take it, but with years of primary school to navigate, I'd take flexibility. I'm waiting until my kids are in Secondary before getting something paying more but less flexible, or I'll pay all the extra on childcare and have an inflexible job.

Ablondiebutagoody · 09/02/2026 14:21

I wouldn't do that while dc is so young. Would feel far too guilty putting them in childcare for longer. Dc won't care about that grand but they will notice you not being around.

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