FT or PT

[gruffaloschild1]

Hi All,

Need a bit of advice.

My OH has recently taken a pay cut and left us with a big lifestyle change. We're not "poor" but we definitely have to budget and buy food etc very carefully.

We have an almost one year old child. I currently work PT and my OH, FT. Going to work FT at my current job isn't really an option as that wouldn't cover the cost of additional childcare, parking, petrol etc.

I have been offered an interview for a FT position elsewhere but my heart is breaking at the thought of leaving my LO five days a week. I'll only see him to literally put him to bed and on a weekend.

The interview I have would leave us about 300 a month better off than now, after paying the additional childcare/petrol etc.

Would you think that's "enough" to tempt you to go to work FT, rather than PT and have the additional days with the baby?

No one can answer for you. I did it and whereas I have no regrets at all when it comes to my DD as she adored everything about nursery, even at that age, I do wish I could have worked PT with my son who was ok at nursery, but I think could have benefited more from my presence, although saying that, this was more the case when he was 3/4 yo than 1.

Do you have a long commute? I do and my DD spends nearly 10 hours a day at nursery. I work 4 days/week but actually I'd prefer 3.

I'd go FT. Money worries aren't a walk in the park and I'd be resentful of a partner who wanted to work less when money was tight and no room for luxuries or enhancements to our child's life.

I wouldn't do it. I couldn't leave my ds (same age as yours) for 5 days. Kills me to do it 3 days a week. Could you make changes to save more money?

@gruffaloschild1 Sounds like a good plan. Maybe the universe will decide for you. Good luck at interview. And tbh even though I said £300 wasn't much money... it is still a lot more than £0. You'll know what's right when it comes to you.

Why don’t you see how you get on working part time and tighten your belts. Could your husband do evening/weekend work if need be?

I tutor two evenings a week for about £300 a month extra for us which pays for extra things, we are fine without it though. So I still spend everyday with dc.
No way would I work ft every day and give up my time with baby dc for the same money. To me it just wouldnt be worth it. It depends what an impact that £300 will have on your life

My mum always worked and the only time I ever resented it was those early teen years, it was tough...but then I hit 15 or so and realized how happy I was she worked, she made the decision to keep a roof over our heads in a really nice area as a single parent. In saying that, money was tight and few people can weather the stress of always being short so maybe go back over your budgets carefully in writing, make sure you have emergencies budgeted in and be very very sure your numbers are solid before making a decision. I personally work but not for the money really, it’s just very good for my head - if I wanted to be home, feck the money but only if we have financial security to pay bills etc

If ask at interview about flexible working. I do 8-4pm so have from 4:30 until bed time with DD and weekends. Works for us.

I worked 5 days a week until last year. I resented every minute but I had no choice.
Last year I changed my contract. I still work 5 days a week but term time only.
It's the best compromise for me and makes the 5 days a week easier because they are in 6 week blocks - so there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

If you want to do it go ahead - I know a lot of people who cherish their careers - doesn't mean their not great mums too.

If you don't want to do it and can manage without having to, I wouldn't but everyone's different.