do professional level part time jobs exist?

[bedraggledmumoftwo]

I have a voluntary redundancy offer on the table, from my senior job for which I have applied to go part time. The maths on the VR are very compelling, I would have to go to work for free part time for the next two-three years just to break even on what I could get if I left, mostly due to the savings on high childcare bills..

However, I don't know if this is short sighted. I am a qualified accountant and could earn £40k for three days if I stay in my current role. Aibu to think the only way to get a decent professional, well paid part time job is to be doing it full time and put in a flexible working request or do bona fide high level jobs actually exist in their own right?

IME (in a different professional sector) they are like rocking horse s@@t, even when they put the full line about equal opps, flexible working etc, they will say they will consider it when you ask before applying, then waste your time interviewing you and then employ one FT person. But, in your position, I would do what you are doing too. They are children for such a short time. One thing you can always try when you need to go back is to go to work FT temporarily or as mat cover/on a fixed term post and then ask to drop your hours when they know how competent you are, or if you get lucky jobshare with the maternity returner. Worked for me when I (eventually) tried that tack after we relocated.

Not an accountant but in a v senior job on a job share 3 days a week. In my opinion the only way you can remain at a senior level part time without making up the hours at home ( I have done 0.8, full time and 0.9 since kids). I love it but they are hard to find

Very interesting thread and a lot of valid points. Wish you well for the future OP whatever your decision.
I am in the process of appealing a rejection of my flexible working request for 4 days. My request was rejected in an aggressive way with an accusation that my performance is below par as the reason for the rejection. This is all totally without basis in fact and company has also decided to put me through a performance management/disciplinary at the same time.... really cannot believe how anti flexible working some companies are but am in a similar situation in that no part time roles seem to be advertised in my field.

I work 4 days in the City. I was interviewed for a full time position, and when they offered I negotiated flexible working hours.

I think don't mention it until offer stage and if they want you they will make it work!

My friend started working as a p/t accountant in the nhs about a year ago. I dont think her fte is £60k though.

She got the job through a recruitment agency who knew was only looking for p/t.

I'm not p/t but I work very flexibly. Ideal now kids are at school - 4 short days plus no childcare bills balanced by one really long day each week where husband does pick up instead.

There is an agency called Capability Jane who specialise in part time and job share jobs. jobs.capabilityjane.com/Search.aspx

Timewise as pp mentioned earlier is a good site. They currently have senior level finance jobs for 3 and 4 days a week.

You should talk to talkinpeace (you'll find her on the debt threads..)