To wonder why some people don't work full-time?

[donniedarko89]

I was part-time myself while DD was very young as I wanted to spend time with her. I know many mums however who have stayed part time even after the kids go to school. They only work 2 or 3 days a week. The thing is, they're not loaded, on the contrary they keep complaining that finances are tight and they can't afford stuff - then why not increase your work days (they could all easily do it)? Some of them even have a cleaner. No hobbies on the side either. It genuinely puzzles me!

Because the point of being alive is not work. I'm not working myself to the bone to retire at 68 then be too old to enjoy life. I'm prioritising my family, health etc. I still have a successful career working part time. But I also know I'm just another employee who is fully replaceable. I'm not sacrificing other aspects of my life for any company.

One if the big reasons is crap jobs only offer part time hours ( until THEY decide they need overtime). So even if you wanted to be full time it’s not possible.
Same crap jobs ie nursery job may have full time but the hours are 45 a week so not really suitable for mums that have to do lots in the home.

sometimes it doesn’t actually pay you to work more, you may need to pay more in childcare because you are working, is one example.

Part time teacher since my child was born nearly 13 years ago. Became a single parent just before she was 2, lives with me full time. I could not cope with the demands of my job if I returned full time and now she is older my elderly mum needs care from me on my days off. I don't moan about money as it's my choice.

I think its quite scary to step up to full time, particularly if you feel a bit out of control keeping on top of life whilst working part time.

Well what is the genuine alternative if no wrap around care is available? Or for others if the cost of that would make the extra hours worked pointless anyway if it were available? Some jobs only offer part time type roles and finding a full time one may involve more travel costs which may again negate any extra that could be earnt.

I work because I need the money if I didn't need the money I wouldn't work. People work part time for a whole host of reasons.

Everyone saying work to live etc

You do know its possible to work full time and still live? To have a good work life balance?

Well said.

If they work part time and have a cleaner they are quite comfortably off. Perhaps they prefer having more time to having more money. Perhaps they like spending time with their family more than having more stuff. Are you really genuinely puzzled?

I work part time because I have a long-term condition and it's the best way to keep it under control. I spend my two days doing exercise and sorting family life, so I am around more for teenagers. Before I went part time I was in constant pain and had shit quality of life. I'm lucky that we can afford for new to do that but I have stopped feeling guilty about it.

Why should they? It’s far healthier to have a good work/life balance and actually spend some time with your own children.

Maybe they actually enjoy spending time with their family? None of your business regardless.

People have different priorities, if people want expensive things, nice holidays and a nice car then they have to work for it. Some people would rather spend time with their DC’s and not have expensive things, money isn’t everything.

I can’t work full time as I am a single parent to a disabled teen, I haven’t worked full time since she was 3 years old, I don’t own my own home or car, my dc have never been abroad but I have spent a lot of time making memories with them, caring for them whilst working part time. I don’t want to be well off, I don’t want expensive things, I just want my dc to be cared. I have nothing against people that chose to work full time and I know there are many that don’t have a choice.

I work 30 hours because it gives me a really good quality of life. I get to stay on top of all the domestic stuff, have a bit of time to myself or to lunch with friends, and spend the weekend with DS because I'm not frantically trying to do all the stuff I couldn't get done during the week.

I highly recommend it.

I work 3.5 days. I earn more than my husband still although pension contributions are much higher so take home not massively different.

We don't have a particularly high household income but we manage fine, have a fairly small house with a fairly small mortgage though we are overpaying.

I want to be able to pick my kids up some days. It makes covering holidays easier.

I don't love my job and it can be stressful. Arguably I do pretty much the same workload in fewer hours so there are downsides.

But I don't see myself ever going back full time if I can avoid it. Youngest just started primary school

I never want to work full time again.
And shock horror my best friend who has no children only works part time!

Worth remembering that your state pension is dependant on you having paid National Insurance contributions for 35 years. This comes as a nasty shock to some people.

I stayed part - time because I wanted to do school pick up, after school activities and be around to support with homework. This set up turned out to be the most beneficial when my DC were in Y7, so glad I didn't go back to work. To be honest, moaning you can't afford things when you work PT is the same as anyone else moaning they can't afford things. Pretty much everyone wishes they earned more money!

@YellowTreeHouse

Does your oh (if you have one) work part time?

@Topgubdepends on which job! A standard 9-5 office job yes. Teacher - no chance of a work life balance during term time when working full time.

I completely understand working part time - I would myself if I could afford it. I'd love to drop to a four day week (without having to do compressed hours, as I couldn't cope with long days).

However, the OP says: The thing is, they're not loaded, on the contrary they keep complaining that finances are tight and they can't afford stuff - the bit I don't understanding is moaning about being short of money, assuming as the OP says that working PT is a choice, not a necessity. I wouldn't entertain that kind of grumble unless the person was actively trying to increase their hours.

Can you not think of one reason why? I'm sure you could if you tried.

Well this is going well isn't it OP.

I'm part time and my Son is nearly 8 I have enjoyed my time with him he's my only one. His school offers no after school club and I just about managed to keep my hospital job as my boss agreed to let me start at 08.30. It's a tight squeeze to get to work and sometimes I am a bit late. You don't know people's circumstances OP. Im a single parent too people have their reasons!

In the school holidays I pay for a full day of childcare just to work till 13.30. I have no family to juggle its just me.

I do get what you're saying OP and I think some people are taking you too literally.

I think some people just get into a habit of working part time and it becomes 'that's just what they do'.

Maybe the truth is that full time is overwhelming for them, they feel it's too much to cope with, too many hours to work and they want to be at home.

I agree with you that it's hard to look at this from the outside when they're struggling financially and not wonder why they don't work more hours. But most people have their reasons and it is up to them to make that decision.