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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to stay in a job with no development that suits family life?

8 replies

gaffatape · 04/08/2026 09:57

The bad: Never had a 1:1 meeting, appraisal, any sort of mentorship etc. I do extra hours unpaid because it allows me to get on top of the work and not feel chaotic. Pay is low. Line manager does far fewer hours and does their own thing, doesn't really get involved.
The good: practicalities and logistics and timings of my hours work perfectly for our family life. Pay is enough for our circumstances. I like the job, like my colleagues, like the leadership team. Know the job well and feel confident in role most of the time. Never dread coming to work.
So should I just pipe down and value what I have and not get hung up on what I don't?
(Yes I work in a school)

OP posts:
WhatNoRaisins · 04/08/2026 09:58

I think this can be a reasonable option. Presumably you won't always have dependent children and can always take a different approach later.

fyooshia · 04/08/2026 10:02

If it suits you for now, keep doing it for now. You don't have to commit for the rest of your life. When other things in your life change, change your job to fit your life then.

purpleme12 · 04/08/2026 10:09

There nothing wrong with this for some people
I'm like this

Jellycatspyjamas · 04/08/2026 10:14

I think liking your job, not feeling stressed and fitting around kids is a good deal. You won’t always need family friendly hours and can develop outside of work if you’re feeling a bit stuck or stale.

Crumpetring · 04/08/2026 10:15

Depends what you want in the future and what your qualifications are.

My work changed my role so I could work very part time. But ultimately if I’d have stayed in that role I would have de-skilled to the extent of not being able to do the professional job I was qualified to do.

They were very surprised when I left because they had given me a job that had let me be there for my family.

But your work might be different, lack of progression is not the same as de-skilling. Lots of people stay in the same job or role for 10 years plus because it suits them. We don’t always have to progress.

thesandwich · 04/08/2026 10:19

Can you take opportunities to improve your skills? Seek your own mentor? People are often flattered to be asked.

goodnightssleepbenice · 04/08/2026 10:32

I stayed in a job I had no interest in for 28 years as the hours suited family life , so yes you carry on 😊

NorthFacingGardener · 04/08/2026 10:35

The only bit that would concern me is the unpaid hours.. but as long as you feel it’s manageable and you’re able to switch off then that’s fine.

There’s a lot to be said for a job that you feel comfortable in and doesn’t give you a feeling of dread.

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