To remain working part time when ds starts school?

[Fortunatepiggy]

I work 22.5 hours a week in a fairly demanding job so actually work a lot more than the hours I am paid but I have kept 2 days off a week to spend with my ds. I do answer the odd email or phone call on these days but they are largely free for me to do what I want with him. I work mainly after ds has gone to bed if I am busy and the other 3 days in the office. Boss has indicated that he expects me to up my hours when ds starts school in sept and I think it will be a bad career move to not look like I am committed and want to work more BUT.. I work over an hours commute away and I really want to try and pick ds up from school at least a few days a week and get to know other mums. If I stay on part time hours I could do this 2 days a week but I will be on my own all day whilst he is a school which seems like a waste when we could do with extra cash and also will impact negatively on my career. Is it indulgent to have days off when kids are at school? I should add we have no family nearby and I am also worried about him being ill or inset days. The alternative is to do my 3 days over 4 but then they will want me in the office another day and to get back for 3 I would need to leave at 1 pm. Or should I just get a good childminder to pick up ds and take on more hours but miss out on the social circle and being there for him at home time . Would welcome views from mums with school children. What's it like juggling everything? I feel we've been spoilt as he's been in nursery since 11 months which is 8.30 to 6pm thanks

I work 18hours over 4 days, school hours. Had DD1 at 39, DD2 at 42. One at primary, one at secondary. It definitely helps if you don't work every day.
Several times a term there are assemblies, reading cafes, concerts, sports days, family weeks etc. You don't have to go to everything but your child will really appreciate it if you go to a few of these events.
The timings aren't always ideal for working parents - you may find your DC is doing their 100m race at 11.30 andb the Christmas concert might start at 1.30.
It also helps to build in some wiggle room for illnesses - pupils can't return to school until 48 hours after a bout of diarrhoea or vomiting. Then there are the Stsff training days, which have a habit of suddenly looming out of the mist. If your boss is flexible you can work extra days one week to mKe up for these events.
I wouldn't give up my part-time job easily, they are like gold dust, especially at a professional level and well paid!

Stay as you are - it helps for holiday cover and other school events etc.

I don't think it's fair to say dh is subsidising! Equally, you could argue op being at home is subsidising his child care bill by being there on the holidays, after school, for sick days, assemblies, sports days etc. Do.men really think that? They have it really cushy if their partner is pt. It means they don't have to use up their holiday on these things or juggle anything. They just have to worry about work

Thanks for all the replies. I think the general consensus is I am on to a good thing and should try and hold on to it subject to being able to afford it which I think we can. Hadn't thought about all the things they invite you to at school and of course hols inset days are a consideration. Will speak to dh to see what he thinks but I think I will try and stay on my hours if poss. Will use the excuse that need ds to settle into school before considering upping hours to buy myself some time with boss without looking like I'm not committed and ambitious! Thanks everyone

I have an hour's commute. I work 30 hrs spread over 4 days, one being at home and a shorter day so it means I can do 2 school runs. Dh also worked 5 days in 4 (now works Fri but school hrs) which covers another day's school run so DC are only in wrap around care 2 days a week. If you can, find out from the school if they usually have inset days on certain days (ours are always Mon or Fri) and if they have a day they do activities where they invite parents in so you can work out the best days to be off. Sick days you can't plan for, dh and I juggle them between us but as they are getting older find we can wfh if they're Unwell mostly.

I think that's a really good plan. I would also when you tell your boss, plant the idea that you would need flexible arrangements if you increase your hours eg working from home, compressed hours some days.

That gives them time to work out how they could accomodate that