Full or part time work??

[mrsf22]

Hi all, I’m in a bit of a quandary and would just like some advice I suppose.
I have two lo’s (4 and 14 months) I returned to work in April 3 days a week. I have previously always worked full time which was a struggle so was really happy to secure a 3 day arrangement following maternity leave. I enjoy my job, while it’s not perfect it ticks a lot of boxes. The 3 days are not permanent though so I worry about the long term security of it. (Although there is a good chance it may become permanent in the future.) Financially it’s a bit of a sacrifice but we can make do with me being part time. However my ‘dream job’ has been advertised somewhere very close to my home, it’s a 5 minute drive! So close to school and nursery etc (current job is 40 mins away). It’s permanent so more secure but a full time post. I enquired if a 4 day week could possibly be negotiated but was told no. I have an interview at the end of the month.
So just not sure whether to stick where I am and have achieved a bit of work / like balance or pursue the new job which will be longer hours, 5 days a week though closer and more secure 🙈. I remember with ds 1 when I went back full time really feeling like I was spreading myself too thin and like I was missing so much of his baby/toddler years! It broke my heart. Not sure if it’s wise to go back to that or do I look at the long term need for a permanent job?! Would love to have another baby at some point but would need more job security before that happens.

Just hoping for some experiences / words of wisdom really!

Thanks xx

I'm a big fan of part time work, but in this case I think the positives outweigh the negatives and I'd go for the new one (if you get it). You may be able to negotiate part time hours after a year or two. Good luck OP!

1.5 hours a day you are driving to your PT job anyway! So you are closer in hours than you think.

Id go full time in this case as positives outweigh negtives. Look at trying to wangle a 4 day when your DCs are a bit older if youve been there a while.

I did 9 to 3 on 5 days a week when my two were at school. And dropping those two hours a day was easier to arrange than a 3 days week as I was there "every day" so to speak.

I even finish at 3 still now as it feels like full time to me!! And I like my afternoons for doing bits and pieces.

I would pursue the new job and if you are offered it, then you can open up negotiations. You really shouldn't be discussing that stuff with them before an offer anyway.

I was in a similar situation. I got the job and accepted. There was a lot more flexibility than I expected. I do work very long days, but the balance is that I have a lot more security, I'm much happier doing something I love, and I get to enjoy the days I do have off. If I could do all that with all a 5 minute commute, I'd be very happy. I'd be happy with only a 40 minute commute too. So I think you're in a pretty good position. There's no reason not to pursue it and make a decision later.

Once you have been in the new job for 6 months, you will be able to request flexible working (including reducing hours) www.gov.uk/flexible-working

Thank you so much for your messages ladies. It’s very helpful to hear other people’s experiences. I should have mentioned I’m also doing a part time masters which fits in with working PT and one of my days was recently made permanent (fingers crossed the others will be too). Any financial gains will go towards the extra childcare costs (at present we have none) so we will not be better off money wise. So part of me is leaning towards staying put... Though there’s a lot to be said for job security and proximity 🙈. It’s a tricky one but I appreciate I’m in a fortunate position either way.

Thanks for your thoughts xx