Did I do the right thing regarding work?

[100DaysofSummer]

I'm currently in a really good position of being able to be really flexible with my working hours.

I work part time and have a dc in reception, I have absolutely no help with childcare apart from paid clubs and my dm will help in emergency but she lives in the opposite direction to my already far away work. I used to work 3 days a week, and got 24 days holiday which works out at 8 weeks off. This is because part time workers annual leave is worked out in hours and you get a pro rata of bank holidays back to take when you choose.

Since dc started school I changed to this;

I now work 4 days a week meaning dc goes to breakfast/after school club, but I'm term time only so don't have to worry about the school holidays. I also get paid a bit more this way an extra £50 a month. Perfect

Either way I also ahve the option of having additional days off through building up hours doing unpaid overtime which is usually available as we're busy, but I'[m restricted due to childcare obviously.

I'm sort of debating whether I did the right thing changing my hours. Reason being now I don't work school holidays I obviously don't get any annual leave to take in term time, so if dc is sick I have to either take unpaid or make the hours back up. It also means we can only take a holiday in the school holidays which means they cost twice as much (although I realise taking time out in term is frowned upon).

I'm also slightly worried about 6 weeks holiday, keeping dc entertain throughout, and getting really behind at work as we will be one man down, although work agreed to my new hours.

If I went back to my old hours I'd still be with dc 2 days a week throughout holidays and would have my annual leave to cover a lot of it, but would have to pay for holiday club.

What would you prefer to do?

I'd prefer what you have now... working term time only.

I would love a term time job, you are one lucky person.

My DH has a term time job and it is so nice to know I dont have to worry about holiday childcare. I would love those hours.

I am lucky although unfortunately potential redunancy looms so might not always be able to enjoy such good hours.

What you're doing now. I work in a school and don't work the school holidays, it's much easier.

cocolepew can I ask what do you do if the dcs are sick?

I see your point of view but to be honest i work similar hours to you & I've found as dc gets older it works.

The summer holidays are 8 weeks long for one of my dc so i only use childcare for those 2 extra weeks.

Overall i prefer term time hours. It works for me at the moment. Ultimately nothing is perfect!

On the rare occasion I've just had to take unpaid leave, its the down side of the situation.

On the rare occasion I've just had to take unpaid leave, its the down side of the situation.

I would love those hours. If dc's are sick we get a paid carer day but then are expected to make arrangements. I would let my staff take the time off and make it up another time. Would your mother look after him as it is an emergency? Or could you put him to a club for a few days/week in the summer holidays or could he stay at your Mums and you could do a few days then. I'm sure it will work out.

When my DC are ill, I have to take unpaid leave or work the time back. All my annual leaves are saved for the school holidays

My mum lives 5 mins from me,so she has them.
I did take a day off on Friday to look after DD who had the vomiting bug. I would usually lie take a sick day but I don't have any left after being ill all of last year.
My friend says we're entitled to 5 days a year for things like that. I'll know on monday.

Thanks everyone.

I think I miss the days when he was at nursery, in some ways I think it get slightly harder when they're at school.