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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to keep my Monday off rather than swap for a new parent?

209 replies

Orangeducks · 22/05/2026 16:26

I have 3 children 10, 8 and 4. When my eldest was born, I reduced my hours at work to 4 days which worked well. Several other parents have done the same. My colleague is returning to work from mat leave and has been offered a day off but its a Wednesday as they can't cover any other day (customer facing) and she was complaining how other members of staff have had the more desirable Mon/Fri off for many years and they should give that up for new parents. She wasn't talking directly to me but I felt she was annoyed I wouldn't give up my Monday off because my children are 'grown up'. I feel that I have built my life around a Monday off and have so much going on in the week running around after my kids that I still need it. Moreover I have no plans to return to full time as I enjoy the work/life balance and we make financial sacrifices to allow this and I am on a permanent 4 day contract.
Am I being unreasonable to not give up my day for her?

OP posts:
Iheartmysmart · 22/05/2026 16:35

I had Wednesday’s off when I went back from maternity leave and it was really nice. DS was never in childcare for more than two consecutive days and we had a lovely day together mid week when most places were much quieter.

SillySeal · 22/05/2026 16:34

Grown up, they are still primary school age. I would ignore her and carry on.

MrsBennetsPoorNervesAreBack · 22/05/2026 16:34

No. Your working pattern is established and there is no need for you to change it.

It's a shame that she can't have the exact working pattern that she might prefer, but that's one of those things. She can either accept what's on offer, negotiate something better or quit and find another job. It isn't your problem.

CurlsLDN · 22/05/2026 16:33

On the flip side, you never get the benefit of a bank holiday. Maybe point that out to her

Radarqueen · 22/05/2026 16:32

LOL how are your children "grown up"? She's nuts.

foreversunshine · 22/05/2026 16:31

I'd roll my eyes and not hide it. Her passive aggressive complaints would only strengthen my resolve not to be flexible. "if you're not fast, you're last!"

ThejoyofNC · 22/05/2026 16:31

Of course not. How rude of her to try and guilt trip people into changing days with her.

Geepee71 · 22/05/2026 16:30

You are not unreasonable
She should have had children years ago if she wanted different non-working days!

I would not give up a non working Monday nor Friday

Monty36 · 22/05/2026 16:29

Not unreasonable no. Actually Wednesdays is a good day. She never works more than two days in a row.

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