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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to turn down a major promotion because of parenting guilt?

53 replies

Thefrozenone · 27/08/2026 22:50

AIBU to turn down a huge huge promotion due to guilt?

posted on parenting thread but still in two minds. Feel guilty accepting a full time role which means more time away from LO - longer days at work with condensed hours.

Single parent so will be difficult juggling nursery drop and pick ups will be difficult. My employer is somewhat flexible but I do have concerns that the nature of the role will inevitably mean less flexibility than I currently have as it is more senior. Commute would be into central London and I would have to ask to leave early on office days - twice a week - as I won’t make it home before nursery closing otherwise.

Was renting but moved in with parents to save. This would be an opportunity to move out and have a place of our own again.

really torn - can’t tell if being unreasonable to turn town, or crazy to take it and make it work.

OP posts:
MiceSpiders · 31/08/2026 14:38

Take it OP , while you're back with your parents it's the prime opportunity to give it a go, I've found the higher up I go the more things are on my terms. I'm not a single parent but my DS is ND and that comes with its own challenges (and additional appointments!)

MiceSpiders · 31/08/2026 14:42

Thefrozenone · 28/08/2026 17:40

Yes I would have always given it a couple of years before moving out - my parents are great yes and have offered to help one more day and do nursey pick up on office days but this will be slightly harder when they are away but LOs dad has now offered to help on these days.

Just want to remind you, the child's father isn't helping you out, he is pare ting. It's his job too. I guarantee he doesn't feel an ounce of guilt and spends a lot less time with your DC than you do already

99bottlesofkombucha · 31/08/2026 14:47

Thefrozenone · 28/08/2026 17:33

Thank you for your reply - yes I had planned to remain at home for likely a couple of years and save. LO is in nursery 2 days already it would be one extra day and then the normal day with my parents. They too have offered to pick LO up on office days and exP has offered to help when parents aren’t around now too. School starts in 2 years.

With that support I’d take it. In a few years when dc is older you will really appreciate the flex being more senior gives you.

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