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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed at this work/life balance?

80 replies

MummysBusy · 01/03/2017 16:40

DH's place of employment keep changing his usual 9-5, 5 days a week working hours into 4 or 5 12 hour shifts, usually at short notice. They are non negotiable, and he doesn't get time in Lieu, or any overtime payment. On the rare occasions that they've been planned more than a week in advance, he is not allowed to take time off during that week. Its probably happening once every 6 weeks and he's always knackered by the end of it. His contact states that he may be needed to work "a reasonable amount" of overtime without expecting anything back, so the company consider what they're doing to be legal.

On top of that, he's usually 45 minutes late on any given day. I could live with it all if he ever got the time back (he used to but it seems to be manager's disgression) but right now I feel like our family time isn't respected. I'm fed up of cancelling plans or just not being able to make any. It doesnt help that I dont drive and rely on him somewhat to get out of the house (public transport isn't great here either). I think part of the solution would be to learn to drive but we don't have the funds.

Surely being expected to work 45-60 hours in a week can't be considered "reasonable"? Or am I being naive? I feel like telling him to find another job, but it took a lot to get this one and I'm worried that maybe that's just what is expected these days.

OP posts:
MummysBusy · 02/03/2017 13:49

Hermione that is exactly what we want. We're not a flashy couple, we just want to have a bit of security behind us, go on holiday once a year and be able to pop somewhere for tea without consulting the budget every five minutes. It's nice to know that someone else is doing it Smile I'm definitely going to talk to him about us both going part time once DC is in school. I know he would relocate for me if I asked him to, but judging by what others are saying it sounds like now is the time to let him focus on climbing the ladder.

OP posts:
MummysBusy · 02/03/2017 13:50

Although yes, get rid of that bedroom. Learn to drive. Let HIM focus on his career but probably please myself a bit more in the meantime.

OP posts:
MummysBusy · 02/03/2017 14:18

Mollygreen that sounds really shit, I'm sorry. I hope things get better for you Flowers

ThisThing thank you, it really helps to look at it as an investment. You don't sound preachy at all!

OP posts:
5moreminutes · 02/03/2017 14:50

If he's barely home he most certainly doesn't need the unaffordable luxury of a 3rd bedroom "mancave" while you can't afford to learn to drive and feel trapped and isolated in the house alone with a baby/ small child! He's working 60 of his waking hours per week - how much time is he spending alone in the 3rd bedroom mancave? Shock (I was expecting to hear it was for a planned asap 2nd DC - who could of course share for the next few years - or because one of you came from a culture where relatives expect to be hosted for extended periods which would be intolerable without a bedroom to stick them in, though depending on the baby's age and size of your room would be jugglable by putting them in with you - I understand not doing that though as it can feel cramped once the baby is older).

Mancave indeed - that is a massive luxury which you clearly cannot afford as a family just yet! Does he drive a Porsche too? Wink (please say no!)

Allthebestnamesareused · 02/03/2017 15:49

Can you say what profession it is? (I am nosey)

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