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Original poster

WWYD re pt working pattern?

5 replies

thejadefish · 10/04/2023 09:16

Due to return to work following mat leave with DC2. I went part time after DC1. DC1 is in school now. I can't decide whether to continue working 3 full days or whether to do 4 days comprising 1 full day, & 3 days school hours so DC1 doesn't have to go to after school club (they prefer being home usually). Financially the difference in childcare costs is just over £20 a week. Given the amount of school holidays I was thinking that working 3 full days might be better as I'd only have to find/arrange 3 days childcare per week (no family support but I do have DH) but on the other hand it might be more beneficial for the children to have me pick them up after school most days (once DC2 is also school age) as we'd have time to chat & a bit of school work before dinner, rushing to swim lessons or whatever. I keep changing my mind as to which is best, wwyd?

OP posts:

NurseCranesRolodex · 10/04/2023 09:22

I'd go 3 ft days. In time you'll be glad of the longer 'off time'. Take every moment you can get for your life not your job. Your DC may want too go to after school for longer next year. In this climate maximise your own time in any way you can.

chocolateisavegetable · 10/04/2023 09:32

Is your job flexible enough that during term time you do your hours across 4 days but in school holidays you do the hours in 3 days?

Original poster

thejadefish · 10/04/2023 09:42

Thanks @NurseCranesRolodex I was just thinking as DC gets older they might want to spend more time with their friends anyway plus there might be after school sports clubs.

@chocolateisavegetable no, not quite that flexible unfortunately! Re your username I try to tell people that chocolate contains iron therefore its a health food lol (I'm sure I read somewhere it contains iron...)

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YellowGreenBlue · 10/04/2023 09:45

If the second option was spread across 5 days I'd say no, but as it's spread across 4 days (ie you still get a full day off) I'd go for that one. It's hard juggling after school activities as they get older.

Kensukesfifedom · 10/04/2023 09:47

I went from three full time to 5 part time and would choose the three full time days. You can focus fully on the job when you're there and other stuff when you're off.

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