I currently work part time three days a week. The main reason is we have two young DC and I want to spend the majority of my time with them. Financially it also makes sense due to cost of childcare etc. But simply I like the balance of it all and that I am with them the majority of the time.
The gender pay gap is currently a big discussion within my organisation who want to look to be doing the right thing. I was on a call recently where they were discussing ways to improve. One of the points were how people were 'forced' to go part time/leave because of the cost of childcare. I agree completely it's a major issue. But at the same time I couldn't help but feel they really pushed it as working part time was a negative that most parents didn't want to do
This is very apparent when it comes to progression when working part time. Within my organisation being part time and wanting to stay that way means 0% chance of progression. Everyone who works part time does so in the lower paid roles.
Even groups that I follow on social media which discuss these issues. Again seem to say women are forced out of full time work.
I don't think I'm making my argument very well. I just wish being part time (which I do via a job share and works great especially when one of us if off as the job still gets done) was valued better.