AIBU to stay in a flexible but extremely low-paid job that suits family life?

You said you were being underpaid. I am asking if you feel thats fair.

At the end of the day its your choice.

Factoring in the time OP can do other stuff during the working day, I think pro rata it’s probably nearer £40k

But she only works a few hours a day. Contracted for just 6, and does housework, so probably only does about 4-5 actual hours of work per day. And has 2 extra weeks of holiday in August. And the company has struggled financially. I expect if OP asked for more money she might find herself being made redundant soon after.

Honestly, I would hang onto the job for another couple of years if you can. Yes, it's not a massive salary but your kids are only primary-aged once. Being able to be pick them up from school, and be around for them after school is amazing. The time goes fast...

I say this as someone who worked freelance during school hours when my kids were young. I actually ended up side stepping into a new (and better paid) area of work once they were a bit older. I sometimes compare myself to friends who have amazing careers that are still much more 'ahead' of me in terms of income and seniority, and I feel crappy about it. BUT, then I remember how a lot of those kids were looked after by nannies/childcare for much of the time, and it was pretty stressful all round. I'll never forget a very high-powered friend crying and saying she was 'missing her daughter's childhood' - that sounds extreme, and I know many families have little choice, but bluntly, there were some things she was missing because of the mega-demanding career.

On the flip side, I know a few mums who gave up work entirely when their kids were young (high earning husbands!) Now their kids are older, they are finding it very hard to get back into the workplace - they feel lost and resentful.

IMO - you are doing it right by keeping your hand in, and still having flexibility and a lot of time for your children. More money/a new job can come later...in the meantime, try to negotiate your salary up a little at annual reviews etc!

What's that pro-rata? About 30k?

I think it sounds ok but I'd want to have a PLAN for earning more in the future, if the company doesn't improve. I'd also ask about a pay rise, and point out that you are on less than you were ten years ago.

Salary isn't everything. Honestly it isnt.
Your set up sounds ideal. The older I get, the less stress I want from a work point of view.
You have to factor other things in too.
Yes you could likely get a higher paid job but when you think about wrap around costs and fuel etc as well as childcare in the holidays, would you actually be that much better off financially?
My job is fairly flexible, not as good as yours but I know i could earn more elsewhere. What stops me is the fact that if tomorrow something drastic happened and I needed to be off for whatever reason, it'd be no problem at all whatsoever. Full pay, no worry about not logging on. I've been here a long time and am fully trusted and my boss is amazing. I work hard and go over and above and they help me so much when I need it

The NHS pays £25k to a large swathe of staff on band 2 including porters, clerical and secretarial staff, health care support workers, etc who work a 37.5 hour week.

The salary might not be great for what you're doing but you're not working full-time.

If you factored in tax, commuting costs, wrap around care and at least 2 additional weeks of childcare would the ‘higher salaries’ actually end up much better off? Generally salaries have not kept pace with inflation.

I'm in such a similar situation and have been speaking to friends about having a low paid job in my late 30's and have been worried about what the future holds. On the other hand i work 5 days a week 1 day in the office which is great as i can choose what day suits me, i can drop off and pick up kids, attend all school events, have them at home when unwell, catch up on all housework and shopping during quiet periods (yes boss knows and is fine) the job is low paid but is very easy and really suits us. My partner earns maybe double what i do and we are comfortable so i've just accepted for at least the next 5/6 this is me

It sounds like the perfect job for your current circumstances. I’ve recently downsized my job for the second time and am much happier - it’s interesting, and flexible, but a pay cut, less responsibility and less kudos. I try not to compare myself to others (esp those I went to school and uni with, as some of them have very high flying jobs). Comparison really is the thief of joy.

If you’ve worked there for a decade without a pay rise in that entire time, that’s a piss take.

You don’t have to go guns blazing, but you can definitely say “can we schedule a chat about my salary, as you know I’m on the same wage that I started on 10yrs ago and the cost of living has gone up considerably since then.”

Then have a chat about it, I’d be surprised if they don’t agree you were due a raise after all that time 🤷‍♀️

Tutoring?

Its not too badly paid for 6hrs a day, no travel costs and extra 2wks AL in summer. Stick with it as you can afford it overall it seems.

I definitely don’t think you can ask for more money, given that you work school hours and are able to do housework during the day while being paid.

I would keep the job and get a side hustle.

I was doing the same as you (very underpaid, low hours, flexible role) when my children were in nursery. Then Covid hit, my husband lost his job and I picked my career back up. I progressed really quickly because of the skills I'd developed and earned a really nice wage. The stress and impact on family life was not worth it. I took a 40% paycut for a job that uses my skills, interests me but is fully remote and flexible and isn't where the buck stops. We're comfortable and it suits us. My children are in secondary school and I'll do this till they finish their GCSEs.

I am studying a qualification that is very valuable in my field so thaf keeps my skills marketable.

If you enjoy your job, happy in your workplace and can afford to I would stick at it. True flexibility, not having to pay wrap around, those extra weeks holiday, work from home is gold dust. You can always apply to other jobs when DC is older and you don't have to fork out for wrap around and lots of holiday clubs. No-one will judge you for staying in a workplace for a long time.

Remember the only people you are irreplaceable to is your family. If you can be there for everything and have a lovely work life balance and happy in your workplace that is worth so much more than money. Plus whilst another job may pay more, some of that pay increase may get eaten up having to pay for childcare if they are not as flexible.

Is it a fair salary for the job you do?
Would a man accept your terms and conditions?

It is a positive that you get to spend time with your son and work in a job you love but you should be paid fairly. Does your husband worry about his work life balance?