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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go part-time?

22 replies

ThunderBat · 27/02/2023 07:08

My dc are teens and I'm a single parent. I have worked FT for a many years and earn fairly well (just over £60k). I have felt quite exhausted from stress and pressure in recent years.

I've been offered a new job in another company which is four days a week, but it's a fairly big cut in pay, however I can manage on it fine (have reworked my budgets). I know my pension would be impacted but I've saved enough until now so not an issue.

Aibu to go part-time? I would value the extra day off and more time for me. Has anyone else done this and been glad or regretted?

OP posts:
StarsSand · 27/02/2023 07:11

Do it, part time is amazing and it's an investment in your health if you're feeling burnt out.

feelinglikeanewparent · 27/02/2023 07:12

Sounds like it's the right thing for you.

I work 4 days a week and can honestly say the day off during the week is a godsend and does wonders for my mental health. I really feel it if I miss that one day for myself.

Good luck!

bookish83 · 27/02/2023 07:13

In your circumstances and with the forward financial planning you have done.... I would do it and not look back!

Well done for working full time as a single parent all these years. Imagine now the feeling of having one day off a week for you or for the house/kids prep.

Go for it!

ILiveAt64ZooLane · 27/02/2023 07:13

If your pension is ok like you say and you can afford to do it, go for it!

Cobrastar · 27/02/2023 07:15

I am never going back to working 5 days again, the best thing I have ever done.

thecatsthecats · 27/02/2023 07:16

I burned out from a 60k job a couple of years ago - and took a 4 day job!

Consider it payback for all the time you've spent so far.

I'm going self employed now, at more or less my 60k rate per hour, but picking and choosing the work. Much nicer to say, "I'm very skilled in this, pay me for it" than dangle on the line of working for a company.

BashirWithTheGoodBeard · 27/02/2023 07:16

There's a lot to be said for playing the long game. It sounds like you're at risk of burnout in your current setup.

Also, have you done all the sums? It might be less of a drop than you think: if it's 80% of what you're on now, that takes you out of higher rate tax entirely and gives you child benefit back too.

Sugarfree23 · 27/02/2023 07:17

It sounds like you aren't just dropping hours but dropping in level too. I'd see if you can get flexible working at the level you are already at.

Paturday · 27/02/2023 07:18

Why would that be U? Are you worried about people thinking you’re lazy? The 4 day work week is going in front of parliament or something soon because the results from the trial were overwhelmingly positive for both business and individual.

Dammitthisisshit · 27/02/2023 07:21

I used to work 4 days a week and found that I was just doing a full time job in 4 days - I’d end up working overtime to keep on top of it. I ended up going full time as I thought it wasn’t worth it. I also had a DH who expected me to pick up more child/house duties because ‘I was part time’ - obviously I did more on the actual day I was off but by the time I’d done the school drop and pick, prepped tea and done some washing/tidying the day was gone without me getting the time to myself that was the objective of the day.

As your DC are older then if you’re confident you’ll only work the 4 days go for it.

daffodilandtulip · 27/02/2023 07:22

It's hard work being a single parent, doesn't matter that they are teens. I still work 40 hours, but over 4 days, and you wouldn't believe the difference having a weekday to yourself makes!

HollyBollyBooBoo · 27/02/2023 07:26

Do it, it's completely life changing and you'll wonder why you didn't do it years ago.

ColadhSamh · 27/02/2023 07:29

Please, please do it. Someone very close to me worked so hard and had it all or so they thought. The bigger car, the huge detached house, regular holidays you get the picture. Always striving for more.

He became ill with a life limiting illness and despite being given a 10 year life span was gone in less than 2. He deeply regretted his lifestyle choices, always working and justifying the limited time spent with his children as 'quality time'. For him nothing could replace those missed opportunities.

So do it. We get one shot at life. Look after yourself and enjoy your life. You've earned it.

Oysterbabe · 27/02/2023 07:30

I work 4 days and absolutely love it.
It's my day off today after the school run I'll go and do the food shop then stick a wash on and do some bulk cooking to make the rest of the week easier. I'll usually do a couple of hours of Netflix and crochet or spend some time at the allotment if the weather is OK. Just having some peace and quiet and alone time has kept me sane, it's the only way I can really relax.

Floofydawg · 27/02/2023 07:39

I dopped a day at the start of this year and it has honestly changed my life. Similar salary to you and the drop in take home pay wasn't as bad as I expected because of the tax thing. I'm never working full time again if I can help it.

deflatedbirthday · 27/02/2023 07:43

Go for it OP. I work 4 days with overtime if I want it. I love the flexibility. I would never now go back to FT fixed unless something drastic happened. The freedom of an extra day is wonderful.

daisypond · 27/02/2023 07:46

Yes, on that salary -which I’d consider to be distinctly more than earning “fairly well” - I would.

soleilblue · 27/02/2023 07:51

Make sure you're taking into account the tax - it might not be as much of a cut as the headline figures make out.

Also consider using it as leverage to make your current position part time?

But no, if you can afford it do it.

Fedupofdiets · 27/02/2023 08:03

Do it. I work full time over 3 days and have a fantastic quality of life. Nobody on their death bed has ever said they wished they'd worked more hours - life is short!

HauntedPencil · 27/02/2023 08:11

I'd totally do it in your shoes. If you'd like to go back to earning a full time wage in the future and the job isn't horribly stressful I do condensed hours over less days per week and that works for me. I can't lose that day off in the week now it keeps me sane!

Original poster
ThunderBat · 27/02/2023 18:36

Thanks all, sounds like a great option, looking forward to it.

OP posts:
Oblomov23 · 27/02/2023 18:57

Sounds fab. I worked 4 days for the last 2 years and it was fab. Now working 5.5 days, not happy and trying to get it back to 4.

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