To not work full time

[JudesBiggestFan]

My third and youngest son starts school next week. That means I'll have one in reception, one in year five, one in year 8. The money would be nice...but I'll be back in the office three days, commuting to a major city, so two hours on my day each time. So will my husband and he's full time. No grandparent help. I think id get about 500 pounds each month extra which would be massively helpful...but then would I waste half of it on convenience meals, takeaways, find I need a cleaner because we're so rushed? Whereas the day off in the week would enable me to stay more organised? As ever it's time v money...what would you do?

There is no right or wrong. I have 4 kids aged 1 to 10 and i work full time. It's fine but DH pulls his weight and we both work partly at home partly in the office (fully home working atm but soon to revert back to be hybrid). My role doesn't really suit 4 days (not that it wouldn't be possible but that i wouldn't like it, having others dip into my cases etc) and I need the money. So full-time it is.

Yanbu. Me and my DH work full time with two primary age kids and it's a giant stressful ballache which impacts the quality of our lives. We both plan to drop to 4 days in about a year, once we've secured a bit of extra mortgage that we need. If you can work part time and live comfortably then do it.

I did 3 days a week when my two were pre-schoolers and went to 4 days when the youngest started reception. I can't imagine being full time ever again. I think I'd feel really stressed and be a grouchy mum without that day off to get stuff done and have some time for me. It actually goes really quickly too, pick up time soon comes around. If you can afford to, then I'd stick to your part time hours.

I work 3 days and my DD is just about to start school. I plan in staying part time for a little while. It gives us more flexibility to cover school hols and sickness.
I'm taking a bit of time to my self which I get is a massive luxury and to get on top of the house work. My husband recently moved to a very full on full time role so it seems sensible for me to stay part time. Also I'm just below the tax threshold at the moment. Doing overtime often isn't worth it.
I'm happy with this for a year or so before having a think about going back to full time work in the field I'm actually trained in.
After pandemic parenting I'm looking forward to a bit of a breather.
You have to do what suits your family.

My DH was really stressed with his job. Hated the travelling, so went to 3 days, then 1 day then retired early, this was over 20+ years. We figured it was better to have less money & stay sane. We have lots of experience with family members with MH issues, so once we could cover bills, pension, etc., this was a priority.