To not work FT?

[iamallastonishment92]

I’ve worked FT since college.
Even through uni at (mature student) I worker FT for a large Multi Nat.

I graduated in May after achieving a VERY high mark (really impressed with myself) but suddenly my job is feeling suffocating.
It’s monitonous, thankless and has little to no prospects.

But...the people are wonderful and I have AMAZING flexibility, good salary, security and benefits.
DH and I are TTC (and it’s not happening easily 😭) so applying for a new job doesn’t feel like an option as we don’t want to stop TTC and obviously don’t know when it’ll happen. But I’m starting to really hate spending all day every day doing this job.

DH has suggested I drop to PT (or leave) to give me some time to pursue passions (side business) before we manage TC. He thinks the stress might not be helping the TTC process and I’m inclined to agree as I’m not happy- but the thought of stopping TTC is devastating!

DH says he had years ‘off’ whilst at uni/studying to figure out what he wanted and now it’s my turn. We don’t ‘need’ the extra money. But at the same time not working FT out of choice feels odd! It’s not something that has ever been a choice for me as always needed the money.

I also have the opportunity to do my masters with a 50% discount if I do it this September!

WIBU?
WWYD in my situation?

I'm sure it's already been mentioned but your maternity pay will be calculated on your part time salary (which is fine as you can afford to be PT).

In your situation - given you are actively TTC - I'd remain FT and benefit from FT maternity pay.

I know this is off topic!!
But I’ve just had a ‘not quite negative test’ 🤯🤩

It’s faint and now I’m sat here obsessing and PRAYING it’s not a fluke! My god this is simultaneously the best and worst feeling!

How exciting!!! Might give a new spin on this!

Now I’m doubting it. Might be an Evap like, I can’t be that lucky 🍀

Hope it is positive OP, have everything crossed for you!

I'm always bemused by our culture's obsession with people needing to be full time workers to be "adequate" or acceptable, as if working 37.5 hours per week spread evenly between Monday and Friday, 9-5, is some sort of innate instinct common to all humans... Rather than some weird artificial arrangement we created and can change.

Work the hours that are right for you and your situation!

Personally, I'd grab the opportunity to do the Master's.

That said, returning from maternity leave on part time hours might be an easier sell to your employer. Depends how they are on varying contracted hours.

OP - I hope it is positive for you! Please update us! and post a pic of the test so we can squint at it

Personally I would look for a new job and not stop TTC

Absolutely

Post a picture

So I took about 6 cheapo tests and all had a shadow line. So ran to boots and grabbed a first response.
It showed this within 60 seconds

DH and I have just danced around the bathroom. Opinions please???

The box says even if a line is faint it’s a positive!

BFP yays for you! Congratulations!

That, my dear, is a positive pregnancy test. My first response test result looked like that (the product of which is now asleep upstairs )

Congratulations OP

Congratulations! Stay full time until Mat leave then return part time (if you can). Good news op!

😭 I’ve cried so much tonight and DH has begun painting the spare room (now a nursery) 🙈

Please keep your fingers crossed for me that nothing goes wrong!

In terms of work DH still supports a drop to PT potentially 3 days per week (if they’ll let me) as my job can be really stressful and I quite often get dizzy/fainty!

Today I basically told them I wanted to drop to PT and was considering leaving - manager said she would speak to senior manager tomorrow. They can’t hold me to that and make me leave now can they?

Op that definitely looks positive. I'd remain cautious until the first trimester (painful personal experience) but that's a good start !

With this new development I'd suggest staying full time until mat leave, then going part time as it'll give you more time with your child (and to do other things as well).

Get a
Clear blue test if you want to set your mind at rest!!

Delighted for you!

absolutely be part time. i am part time and sincerely hope i never have to go back to FT!

I got a clear blue ❤️❤️❤️

Working 20 hours a week is plenty for me.

Congratulations OP!

Whoop whoop congrats op that's excellent news

I work part time since having dcs and it's the best decision , now both dcs are in school I don't intend on going back ft either.

Thank you all so much. I’m honestly so shocked I feel numb. Laid here unable to sleep!

Well. If your company pays enhanced mat pay then you would be better off staying ft at least till you have your dc.

Be aware of the impact this will have on your pension.

It put me off going part time, but you may have other assets e.g. Property etc.

Silly question but is it too early for side effects? I’ve had the worst nausea for days now. Thought it was a bug.

Woke me up at about 2am again last night