Boring topic but struggling to decide

[MrsPatrickDempsey]

Would Ibu to increase my hours? I work 22.5 over 3 days but have been asked by my manager to increase to 30 over 4 days. I am fortunate that my DH works full time as he is a bigger earner so I have worked part time since having the kids and juggled the childcare (worked weekends, Bank hols and nights for years and then job shared where we reciprocated child care).
I now dont need childcare as both DC are in in secondary school. The money isn’t essential but as my eldest approaches the prospect of uni, I am looking ahead. The thing I am ashamed to admit when there are so many full time mums, some single, is that I am not sure I will cope. Makes me sound like a princess but my job is mentally tough and because of its nature the cut off between work and home can be blurred. I frequently at catch up doing extra hours on days off/weekends/evenings as it is and I do worry about work and never sleep well the night before. But I feel like a fraud and that I have no excuse not to take more on. It’s going round in my head and I would welcome perspectives please.

How hard would it be to decrease your hours again if it didn't work out?

I would increase the hours. I think you get better at managing time and stress the more hours you officially work.

That's a good point, if it's your manager requesting this can you offer to do it for maybe a three month trial period or something?

I was in a similar situation, for me it was better workwise as I was able to have more time to do everything expected of me. Home life hasn't suffered.

If ypur current set up works then stick with it in my opinion.

You're already losing home time on work due to blurred boundaries (no judgement here - teacher so similar) and my worry would be that you'll use your weekend and day off catching up.

Maybe see if you could trial it but if they woj't do a trial or agree for your original hours to return to then stay put.

I took on more and regret it. I thought it would help me balance things more by having more time in the office, but in fact it has just increased my workload and made the work/home lines more blurred. I agree with the others - if there is an option to trial it and revert to original hours if it doesn't work out then may be worth a shot. Good luck op

Hi OP,I'd go with the trial option if your manager will agree.
Would it affect your position if you said no?i.e. Would they have to take someone else on to do t he extra hours you don't want?(they can't sack you can they then just take on one person to do the thirty hours,I don't know anything about employment law)
At least then if you try it you will know,rather than forever wondering 'what if'.
Good luck anyway,good to know you're wanted😊🌼

Ask for a trial period and share your concerns at work so they can support you. Just see how it goes, you'll know soon enough.9