To consider going back to work full time once kids are school age

[ApostleLover]

Currently working part time and doing just fine like this. I'm a single parent and do rely on maintenance although I am aware he could stop paying this so it's a consideration.

How many of you work full time with school age children and how is it for you?

I went full time after my son went full time school. Massive mistake as they took all my benefits, made me owe tax credits and I now miss out loads on school holidays. Wish I had never done it

Stayed part time, now have able to look after grandson 1 day a week.

Think it depends how many dc / age gaps / how many schools you would be dealing with

I work part time, currently have three dc in primary and struggle to keep on top of all the various demands. I imagine this will become even more interesting in September when dc1 goes to high school!

Is wrap around childcare easily available and affordable? If not I think you would really struggle.

If you can get good, reliable wraparound care it should be ok.

I work full-time and dd is 2 (also a single parent). But it’s easier with nursery because of the early drop-offs and pickups. My parents are incredibly supportive and helpful as well, otherwise I’d definitely have stayed part time.

As a single parent I worked a 35hr week as a teaching assistant when my kids reached school age. I worked (very) part time before this. It worked out okay for us because I'd never received cs from ex (so couldn't have that rug pulled) , I got the holidays off , and a family member kindly did the school run for me.

I guess it depends on the cost of childcare and whether your employer will be flexible or not.

I am a single parent to 2 boys, aged 10 and 20. The 20 yo is at university now but I did do a few years of both of them being at school while working full time and being a single parent.

I have the huge advantage of working full time from home and have lots of flexibility.

I have lots of childcare in place for the younger one, and the holidays can be hard to manage but we muddle along OK.

The alternative sucks!

Always worked full time. Would love to be home more to help with homework and spend time with my son but since I’m the main wage earner I just don’t have this luxury. If you can afford to then I would think hard before giving up part time

What happens at half term, Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays?

I went back full time as a single parent to 3 year old, 7 year old and 10 year old. It was tough really tough but we got through it somehow! I still got a tax credit top up and help with childcare as wages were not high. Use entitledto.com to work out rough costs.

I would look to remain part time if possible and either work reduced hours every day to be there for pick ups etc, or if it’s possible, work full time in term time and take TOIL in hols.

Childcare in the holidays is key. A lot tends to be 9-3 sort not 8-6.
I always was part time and found it easier to work in holidays that way - much easier to get affordable childcare (dd did a 8.30-3.30 one £60 a week) and easier to do childcare swaps with other parents etc

I'm starting full time in September, my MIL is happy to do school drop offs and the extra income means we can go on holidays etc.

You are the only one who can judge if this will work for you, is your childcare options good? School holidays can you take time off?

Always worked very full time Back in the olden days we only got 6 weeks maternity pay. We had a nanny which took pretty much all of my salary but was cheaper than 2 x nursery places once we had a second baby. I very much wanted to keep my job so it was never an issue.

It'shard to say without knowingyour individual circumstances. Is your employer flexible, do you have support from family/friends in case of illness etc? All I can suggest is cost it out carefully. Personally I'm only looking to go back full time now my youngest is in secondary ( but then I don't have your financial pressures).

Thanks for all your thoughts. I currently work 40 hours over 4 days so would add another day to make it 37.5

@MrsHormonal2019 I'm not currently entitled to any benefits apart from child benefit and I buy childcare vouchers through work.

@IVEgottheDECAF I have 2 kids. They will be 5 and 8, going to the same school.

@EmrysAtticus and @MustardScreams there is wraparound care at the school which works well for me. I currently use it.

@Karigan195 I get home with the kids just after 5ish so hope I will still manage time for homework comfortably.

@missmouse101 the school club covers the holidays also for 20 per day.

My work is very good with flexibility and I may be able to work slightly longer days (less of a lunch break) and then leave early on a Friday or something to that effect.

But mother OP can't use her salary to pay for a nanny as she needs to live on it.

Sorry that should say.. currently work 30 hours...not 40!

I’ve kept to part time. I personally wouldn’t consider any more unless I absolutely had too. The cost and timings of wraparound of holiday care make things difficult. Also getting dc to extra curricular and having play dates can be squeezed in on the days I don’t work (or simply having the odd evening where I’m not rushed!) I’ve actually found things more difficult to juggling they are at school than when they were in nursery. Most of my colleagues and the other working parents from school have done the same. However, there are those for whom full time works, it’s obviously down to your circumstances and preferences.

I wouldn't class 30hrs over 4 days as part time.

I only intend on going back part time when DS reaches school age. It's a personal choice though. I just don't want to miss any time with my DS that I don't have to. Obviously if our circumstances changed I would go back full time, but only when it happened not on the chance it may happen.

@bourbonbiccy good point. I am thinking of a worse case scenario that hasn't happened.

When they are both in school though, I'll have a day but won't be seeing the kids anyway as they'll be in school?

No. I currently work part time (3 days) and will be going full time next year then youngest DC starts school. Free breakfast club at school beforehand and after school shared by my DM and DMIL. Teacher so off holidays. What you're suggesting sounds do able. I always only intended to work PT temporarily

I wouldn't class 30hrs over 4 days as part time.

But it is part time. It’s not even working 9 to 5 over over 4 days-it’s less than that.

OP, have you considered spreading your 30 hours across 5 days and finishing early each day? This is what I did (and still do) when my youngest started school. It means I collect them each day and we have the rest of the afternoon/evening together. Of course, that's filled with all the extra stuff like brownies, ballet etc but that's another plus point for me, that I can take them to all that stuff.