To give up career for school hours job?

[isthismad]

Have talked about doing this for years but now it's finally happened. I applied for a school hours job (8.30-2:30) 4 days a week and got it.

I have a career which I hate but it pays more than double this job. We would be fine on the reduced income although we would obviously have to cut back on extras.

My heart says take it. Less stress, more time with DD, no more wraparound care (which DD doesn't really like). But...AIBU?

Anyone?

It sounds like you should do it. Is it only the money that makes you hesitate?

Take it - just take it - congratulations on the job offer!

Family life and absence of stress are much much more important than making loads of money. Your children will benefit immeasureably.

Why are you doubting? Life is short, follow your heart. It’s not forever..... maybe use use your free day to upskill for something else longterm?

Can you still meet your half of the bills or is your DH expected to pay? Just your own extras or everyone's?

Would you be happy if he did the same i.e. Cut his hours and pay?

Might be great now, but you might come to regret it down the line when dd doesn’t need you as much. You won’t know unless you do it though. Good luck x

Definitely take it if you want to spend more time at home. Your dad won't notice cash. She will notice you being at the school gate and home in the holidays.

....sorry should read DD not dad.

I’d do it in a heartbeat in your situation - it’d be different if you actually liked your job but if you’re miserable there, go for it and don’t look back! Congrats on the offer

Wow! What an amazing opportunity to spend that time with your DD. You won't get this time back, careers can be picked up again later. If you can afford it, jump at the chance, and find other ways to build skills - this won't be forever x

I did a similar thing and gradually increased my hours and responsibility as the children grew. Best decision ever!

Do you think you will enjoy it and find it stimulating? If so then definitely sounds like a good plan!

I’ve done this. Went from £35ph 40 hour week to £12ph 15 hour pw. Although I find it hard missing the status of my other job and the salary which I definitely lived up to spending, but it’s half term now and my year 1 dd spent the afternoon in the sunshine scooting up to the park for an ice cream.
I’ll never get this time back. I can afford it and I plan to ease myself back into ft when I realise dd isn’t that interested in me anymore. I think it’s worth it anyway!

It sounds like an amazing opportunity.
If you're saying you'll be fine, is that fine overall with DP/DH topping the pot up more or fine as in your contributions? Is this a decision you're both on board with?

Is your career the sort of thing you could pick up in a few years if you need to/want to?

Those sorts of jobs don't come up often. Hope you make the right choice for you and are happy with it.

I never regret being a SAHM with my children till their late teens, and neither do my kids ( now adults). Now, as a grandparent, I see them struggle being parents and working full time.

Whilst money pays the bills the one thing you need to do is be happy! I think you should definitely go for it!
Congratulations xx

I did this last year. I earn just over half of what I did before, but I'm so much happier, my health and mental health have improved dramatically and I get every holiday with the dc.
I have zero regrets and wish i'd done it sooner.
There are more important things in life than a career and money, your health and happiness should come first.
Good luck with your new job.

Are you married?

Do you have pension plans?

If you hate your career and don’t think you’ll hate this job then it’s a no-brainer.

I very much put my career first whilst my kids were growing up. I worked full time and tried to make the most of weekends. Now there are teenagers I look back and feel sadness and regret, for the small things like taking them to school, having breakfast together etc. If I could go back I would fuck the career off and spend as much time with them as possible. I say go for it! Life is too short and you won’t get back these years!!

I definitely would. Life is so short.
May I be nosey and ask what's kind of job it is? I'm looking at options and can't really find any school hours ones that aren't in schools!

Have you ever actually done school hours before? I work full time but my dh and I share the school run meaning we both work 2-3 short school hours days and then 2-3 long days a week. The school hours days are not easier! The most stressful part of my day is the rushing around to get places, get everyone’s snack, make it to whatever activities, supervise homework. There is no way I’d do it for less financial security.

I've got a school hours job, 9-1. Stress free, not much responsibility. There are lots of opportunities to progress and move up the ladder, earn more. But I have consciously not applied for any of them as my hours mean I can be around for the DCs, keep on top of house stuff, not be exhausted, have time to myself. It's perfect!

Is there any possibility of moving up in the school hours job with your experience? (At a later date) and going full time with a more senior position?

I did, I now do 9.30-2.30 term time only and love it. I now earn a 1/4 of what I did earn and couldn't care less as I'm now happy, love my job and work life balance.