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Original poster

What would you do? Reference job

37 replies

gingajewel · 18/10/2019 21:03

So this may be a long one but I don’t want to drip feed so am going to try and get it all down:

I work part time school hours at the moment for a brilliant company, so flexible, perfect hours and just a really nice company to work for. I have two primary age children who for one reason and another are at different primary schools. The only problem with where I work now is the Money is terrible, even though I am only part time the hourly rate is just above nmw, no progression and I have just got a masters in my chosen field.
I went for a job interview this morning, I didn’t think I would get the job, I got the job!!! It is actually double my salary now but due to various deductions and now having to pay for childcare I will only be about £400 a month better off, my children will both have to go to breakfast and after school club and the new role is completely inflexible so I can’t go in late etc if my children have an assembly or something like that.
My oh’s role is completely inflexible to just add that to the mix.
So what would you do? Is it worth loosing your flexibility and decent job for £400 a month? Being able to take your kids to school and back?? I am so stuck and feel so anxious trying to make a desicion!
Please give me some opinions!!

OP posts:
Bofster37 · 19/10/2019 13:42

Negotiate! Ask for an extra couple of grand starting salary and/or additional annual leave.

Original poster
gingajewel · 19/10/2019 14:24

Thank you for all your replies and thoughts, it really is a hard desicion!
It’s not that I want to be able to leave early or start late as I have school clubs sorted for the kids, it’s just now no one bats an eyelid if I ask to start late and work late etc!
I work in hr so the holiday is 100% correct and salary is good for the role! It is actually exactly double what I earn now but due to student loan, tax, pension and childcare it equates to £400 per month.
Although the debt amount is terrible it doesn’t worry me as I pay it off every month so it’s not a massive factor in my decision, I guess it really is flexibility or money!

OP posts:
Jimdandy · 20/10/2019 07:25

Come on. You have a master and cannot spell “losing” properly Smile

Go for it. You can progress in this role and increase your earnings.

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TurnTheHeatingOn · 20/10/2019 07:45

Millions of working people don't have any flexibility and cope just fine! It seems an odd thing to reject that much money for. How often do you REALLY need work to be flexible??

GeoffreyAndBungle · 20/10/2019 08:09

Remember as well that when your eldest does to high school you won't need to attend school events for them (don't have assemblies for parents etc there) and they can get themselves to/ from school and wait at home till you get back = no childcare costs!

If you are concerned about lack of holiday you can request parental leave (unpaid) and as you know being an HR person your employer has to give it to you - though they can tell you to take it at alternative time if there are business reasons for this.

ittooshallpass · 20/10/2019 08:30

Lots of parents aren’t able to go to every single event at school. Just use your holiday to attend the most important events, such as sports day. As you children won’t be at primary school at the same time you or your husband should be able to be there for key events.

It’s madness to pass up a job because you want to be at the Hevesy festival!

You could have at least 12 months of this job under your belt before your youngest starts school, by which time you will have proved yourself and could be given flexibility.

ittooshallpass · 20/10/2019 08:30
  • harvest festival 🤣
EnglishRain · 20/10/2019 08:36

Have you asked whether you can buy annual leave?

Disfordarkchocolate · 20/10/2019 08:42

I would take it. Your job has a degree of flexibility that is very rare, and a new manager could come in tomorrow and put limits on what is allowed.

Most parents can't go to everything, sometimes this is a blessing, to be honest. Split what you need to go to with your husband, use the odd half day leave and look forward to secondary school when you barely see the inside of the school. It will be fine.

LucileDuplessis · 20/10/2019 09:14

I would take it. 8-4 is still good hours and this sounds like a really good opportunity.

Atalune · 20/10/2019 09:19

After you’ve been there for a while you may find there is a degree of flexibility.

I would take it. It’s too good to miss

MoonlightBonnet · 20/10/2019 09:21

A local government HR job without flexi time or flexibility to start late occasionally is very unusual. Have you asked about flexible working?

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