Feeling guilty about increasing days at work

[Tired00]

I've worked 3 days a week since I returned to work after my first baby (who's now started reception!). I have another little one who's 18 months. I've not been happy in my job for a while and applied on a whim for a new role which is a promotion and a salary increase. I was surprised and happy to get the job! Tthey need me however to work 4 days a week. I've accepted the job as it's the right thing for my career and family finances, but I just can't shake the guilt of having less time with my kids. I keep seeing content on instagram etc about stay at home mums loving being at home with their kids and I just feel so guilty! I'll never get this time back with them again, my youngest is really clingy and I just worry about him doing another day at nursery. Am I doing the right thing? Has anyone been in my shoes and will we be ok?

Ignore the Instagram content for all you know they're bored stiff and wish they had a job

I do 4 days a week and it's fab. It means you really make the most of your day off. My toddler and I do loads of day trips, play dates, etc. And because I'm working 4 days, I have the money to do those nice things with her. Plus the weekends of course.

4 days is great from a work perspective too. You get taken more seriously and not treated as a part timer compared to 3 days.

You'll be fine. Loose the guilt, you're doing what's right for you and your family!

I’ve always worked full time and DT’s went to nursery five days a week from six months old. Happy healthy babies and happy parents knowing that DT’s were in an amazing nursery and we were able to continue with our careers. Never entered my head to work part time.

You have nothing to feel bad about, you have made a great move that will benefit yourself and your family.

I have always worked FT, it’s just the way it needed to be. And don’t worry about Instagram, it’s designed to make people feel inadequate. I don’t pay attention to any of it and just roll my eyes when I see such blatantly staged bollocks that is usually more for the parents benefit, than the children’s 😃

congratulations on your new role!

Thanks everyone! You're right, I need to ignore instagram! I know deep down it is right move for us, need to ignore the guilt. I'm hoping I'll actually enjoy work doing 4 days (and having a bit more money to do nice things!) and not feel like I'm constantly on catch up/running like a headless chicken 😂

I bet you have got a workload of 4/5 days if working 3 days!
Don't feel guilty, enjoy the quality time with your children and the extra money.

If it helps my 18 DS guilt tripped me about how they were always the last ones to be collected from after school club. However then said how proud he was about how I am a role model and that they really appreciated the extras we could afford such as a holiday and memories together

Unless instagram is going to fund your children at university or pay your pension contributions I suggest you ignore it!