Tell me about how working 3 days a week is nice

[DistrictCommissioner]

Getting nerves about going back to work, 3 days a week in an admin type role at the council. I’ve been mostly very part time (1-2 days a week) since having kids, although I did do one year of full time which was a bad experience, so this is something in between! I know loads of parents work full time (including my DH!) but currently very used to having a lot of time during the week to organise our lives, take the kids to their activities etc. Just seeking reassurance...

I’ve worked 3 days a week for a few years now and I LOVE it. I’m going back in a few weeks after maternity. I have loads of time. I tend to do one day off for house stuff, so clean the bathroom and kitchen, pick up the big shop (click and collect) other odd jobs and my other day off I take the kids to clubs, park, days out. Then weekends (when DP is off) are more family time.

I love working 3 days. I work Monday, Wednesday and Friday and love having time off during the week when the kids are at school to potter and do the housework so our weekends are clear to spend time together instead of it feeling like a rush to get everything done.

I work Monday Wednesday and Friday as well. I like it as if I have a crap day with the kids then I get a break at work the next day and vice versa 😂

It’s great! In term time, I use one day for food shopping, meal planning, life admin, organising kids activities, batch cooking, sorting out cupboards, doing chores and errands etc and use the other for volunteering. So I feel on top of the house etc and also get to do something worthwhile that I enjoy.

Holiday time is even better . Though I do have a bit of catch up to do once term starts, as I leave anything non urgent until then, to give me time to take the DC on days out and spend time with them.

I vary my working days each week, but I love having Monday off - it means we can relax and have fun at the weekend and so long as things are ready for school on Monday, I use Monday to catch up on the house stuff. I prefer to bunch my work days up so either work tue, wed, thur or tue, wed, fri work best for us.

I'm doing 4 (32 hours a week) in a gov dept with my son almost 7m. Went back when he was 4m. It's hard and I'm tired but I imagine yours is a bit older and sleeps better. I was new and didn't qualify for any mat pay, unfortunately.

Some days I feel like a crap mum and a crap employee, but most of the time I know that they both need me, and I'm doing well on both fronts. Because I'm actually a good mum and am good at my job when I actually think about it.

My son loves daycare and his carers. The best part is they do all the messy play and singing there so I can do the other stuff we like.

Take it slowly, celebrate little victories and don't be hard on yourself, especially those first few months.

I work Monday, Tuesday, Friday - its great, like having 2 weekends

I don't really get any housework/batch cooking done on my days off but I have a 1.5 year old that likes to climb furniture at home, you'll get loads done if yours are at school!

I’ve worked 3 days since I went back after my first maternity leave nearly 10 years ago. I love it. I have 1 day to devote to house tasks and then try to do something more fun on my other day off. I work Tuesday, Thursday and Friday so I never get that Monday morning feeling!!

Its a really good idea. Try and get Mondays off. And work Fridays. As that's often a quieter day. Thinking the same as George22.

I worked Mon-Wed, I personally don't like when the working week starts on a Tuesday, it totally throws me off. But I know plenty who do it.

I like that 3 days give you a decent "own" work instead of just catching up with what others can't do or aren't bothered to do. It obvioulsly depends on your role but under 3 days means for my work you just do the crap bits.

I work 3 days and love it. Just the right mix of days off and working.
I usually work Monday, Tuesday and Friday, but am currently working Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
To be honest I prefer having two days off together, it feels like a weekend and I seem to get more done. Having every second day off makes the week feels much longer for some reason.

Glad to hear good stories! I should have clarified that my kids are all in school, it’s a new job. My current role is one weekday & a Saturday - it will be really nice not to work Saturday but does mean an increase in after school clubs etc.