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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

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

86 replies

reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:38

I'm having to try not to make this too outing but really need some advice. I've been with the same company for 10 years, my boss is absolutely lovely, I'm a project manager in a very niche industry that generally pays loads less than other project management work. After covid we've had a really tough time and my boss had to take a loan out against the company. We're now doing much better but still not making big bucks, if that makes sense.

I work fully remotely from home, Mon-Friday, school hours as we got a little kid, (9am-3pm), additionally to my normal holiday get two extra weeks in August, never have any stress, and so much time during the day that I can do all housework.

However, I earn a pittance ( just under £25k a year ). My husband earns well and we are fairly frugal anyways so it's okay, but I am well aware that this kind of salary is a joke.

Should I;

AIBU) start a riot and demand more pay
YANBU) keep my extremely cushy job and just live on less money

I am well aware that I'll never find a job like this again which fits so nicely with family life! But the pay is crap

OP posts:
Original poster
reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:46

Fairyliz · 23/04/2026 11:45

Where do you live, as that wouldn’t be considered a pittance where I live in the Midlands.
Part time work that fits in around school hours is like gold dust, but the downside is it’s poorly paid. I would stick at it for a few years until your children are secondary age and then look for something.

Thank you so much. I think I needed to hear this today. Making the mistake of comparing myself to other people who earn loads more. Never a good thing!

OP posts:
Fairyliz · 23/04/2026 11:45

Where do you live, as that wouldn’t be considered a pittance where I live in the Midlands.
Part time work that fits in around school hours is like gold dust, but the downside is it’s poorly paid. I would stick at it for a few years until your children are secondary age and then look for something.

Original poster
reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:45

MinnieMountain · 23/04/2026 11:43

How old is your DC?

He's 6!

OP posts:
Original poster
reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:45

3GoldenLamps · 23/04/2026 11:44

I'd stay in it for now- advantages are the flexibility and you love it (I've never loved a job so am quite envious!).

When your DCs are older and less reliant on you for after school care etc you could progress then.

Thank you so much. I'm a bit afraid that it will be seen as a negative that I've stayed so long in one job!

OP posts:
Original poster
reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:44

LoisSangerAteMyHamster · 23/04/2026 11:41

25k for 9-3 and additional paid holidays isn’t a pittance. So long as you’re paying into a pension then I’d stay.

It's not quite that much as it's a bit performance based as well depending what kind of projects we get. But the thing is, I enjoy the work and it's really quite easy, and not demanding at all. And I just love to pick my son up from school and spend time together. Yes, I do pay into a pension

OP posts:
3GoldenLamps · 23/04/2026 11:44

I'd stay in it for now- advantages are the flexibility and you love it (I've never loved a job so am quite envious!).

When your DCs are older and less reliant on you for after school care etc you could progress then.

MinnieMountain · 23/04/2026 11:43

How old is your DC?

Bluegreenbird · 23/04/2026 11:42

It’s not SO bad pro rata as you’re basically working under a 4 day week. I’d hang on until DC is older as time and flexibility are priceless.

LoisSangerAteMyHamster · 23/04/2026 11:41

25k for 9-3 and additional paid holidays isn’t a pittance. So long as you’re paying into a pension then I’d stay.

Original poster
reallyneedsomeadvice · 23/04/2026 11:39

REDB99 · 23/04/2026 11:39

Working from home for 6 hours a day is a pretty good deal. It depends what you prioritise more - money or family life and flexibility?

I’d love a job like that if I could afford it but I can’t. If you don’t need the money carry on for the time being and change jobs when your children are old enough to get to and from school themselves.

Edited

Sorry, what do you mean?

OP posts:
REDB99 · 23/04/2026 11:39

Working from home for 6 hours a day is a pretty good deal. It depends what you prioritise more - money or family life and flexibility?

I’d love a job like that if I could afford it but I can’t. If you don’t need the money carry on for the time being and change jobs when your children are old enough to get to and from school themselves.

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