I shouldn't have to justify working part time just because I don't yet have children

[fecklesswonder]

I worked hard in London in my 20s, lived like a student even after getting a decent job.

So come 30 I moved out of the city to a small house that I could afford outright. Seeing as prices are crazy for the next jump up I'm staying put.

As i own outright I want to go down to two days a week, money will be tight but I would be rich in time so its all worthwhile.

Everyone seems to judge me on this.

For work to agree with it I will have to make somthing emotive up.

It doesn't affect anyone else, but everyone always say "what will you do?". Ffs I will do nice things, I'm not some office drone without any hobbies / interests!

My awesome high flying (child free by choice) mate did exactly this

She does a very well paid technical job that is in high demand, and decided to cut her hours down to part time, just because she could.

She has a fab time wafting round town lunching, trains for triathlons and generally having a great quality of life. Then puts in a couple of high quality days at work.

I'd say go for it.

alittlethyme

I know lots of people who work pt and haven't got children. I don't think employers can only allow parents to go pt, this is discrimination.

Employers can always find a reason not to agree for flexible working. They are just way more likely to approve it if it's children or caring. Also if you make a good case of how it wil benefit people.

I bought a lovely little 2 bed outright at 24, the second I signed on the dotted line I rang my manager and applied for voluntarily redundancy. I do have a DD but would have done the same thing even if I didn't.

I work part time now in a job I love and have progressed quite well but I'm aware there's usually only so far a part timer can go.

Do it! sounds great. You don't owe anyone an explanation and yes you can do loads of stuff

I get you op. I've never worked full time, even before dc.

Oh I loved working part-time, OP. In fact, I enjoyed my jobs so much I usually did more which gave me the advantage of feeling virtuous too.

YANBU. Isn't your situation exactly what everyone else works towards so they can retire? No mortgage, a good buffer, and a way to earn more if they need it. Yep, time to ditch the grind.

I freelance and haven't lived in my country of birth since I was 17 years old. I work when needed (love my projects & clients) and stop when I feel like it. If I have an internet connection I have an office.

"How will you fill your days?" Most bizarre question I've ever heard, usually from people who have never snapped up a cheap flight to somewhere they've never heard of (just for the fun of it) or ordered food they can't pronounce just to see what it is.

I feel for you to have to lie to reduce your hours. Not only are you robbed of a life that suits you but someone else is robbed of 3 days work.

Makes no sense at all.