New job hours dilemma!

[Indecisive37]

Before I start, I appreciate this is a first world problem but humour me!

For context I’ve got one son who’s just started in reception, I’m in a middle management role currently earning just shy of 65k. That is my salary for 32 hours per week over 4 days, I also have lots of flexibility for pick up and drop offs and just make the hours up elsewhere.

i am site based approx 45 mins from home, i have the flexibility to WFH when making up time only so i do travel in for 4 days per week.

I’ve just been offered a role at an amazing company, the salary they’ve offered is approx £20k more than im currently earning which is amazing.

When I brought up flexible working at the offer stage they have said they’re willing to be flexible with start/finish times/making up hours if I need to leave early for whatever reason, and it’s hybrid with 2 days in the office per week but they won’t consider a reduction in hours (39) due to the workload. Okay, fair - but now I’m clueless as to wether I take it or not?!

Do I stay in my comfortable job which is super boring but gives me ultimate flexibility and a day off to myself each week? Or do I jump into a new challenge for a huge payrise and accept I’ll be very busy!

My DH works away approx 50% of the time and so although he picks up school runs when he’s home, I can’t rely on him being available.

Aghh what do I do?! I have the weekend to consider it and have told them I’ll reply early next week.

Thank you!

Is there an after school club available? Sounds like a very good opportunity.

With your son just starting school give me flexibility any time!!!

I'd go for flexibility at his age, unless your DP can adjust his hours to make the new job easier for you

I’ve worked my hours out currently so I do 2 long and 2 short days so he attends breakfast and after school club already 2xper week and then I’m around 3 days to drop off/pick up. This technically leaves me about 2-3 hours down each week but because of the nature of my job I often work out of hours a few times a week and so it evens out.

with this new role I’d save about 6 hours per week travelling time so it should work out similar. I raised the potential of doing 2x long (office) days and 3 shorter and the hiring manager was fine with that so I’d have to do after school club one extra day a week. It’s more the day at home where I sort everything else out I’m concerned about missing and obviously I’ll miss out on time with DS in the holidays.

There are an additional 5 days annual leave at the new place with an option to buy 5 more so I could have some extra holiday time I suppose. I think I’m more worried about starting there and being full of regrets when I’m trying to juggle everything.

This job has been amazing the last few years while I’ve been getting back into work mode (I took 2 years maternity leave) but it bores me to tears and I definitely can’t face it for another 5 years.

sorry I’m thinking out loud!

The unfortunate reality with a reception child is you ideally need at least 1 parent to have the flexibility to look after child when they're sick, facilitate after school clubs or playdates, attend the myriad of parent involvement events etc. You both can't prioritise your career, so with DH away a lot, that falls to you unless you can buy in help. I'd worry about burnout if you're doing FT hours around school pick ups etc, in the evenings etc.

Take the job. Sounds like your child will be using club the same number of days as currently anyhow. If they are flexible, which is sounds like they are, they likely will be ok with you WFH if your child is sick. You don't need to take time off for a reception child, they will be fine in front of the tv for 1-2 hours whilst you finish off work.

This is exactly what I’m worried about - having a few hours of alone time has saved my sanity many times in the last 3 years!

Im wondering wether if I decline the role and be honest as to why they’ll reconsider? And if not then it’s not meant to be!