What would you do? PT vs FT hours

[todaysgoingtobetheday]

I'm misusing AIBU for traffic sorry (yes IBU for doing that aha). I've got the option to negotiate working hours on my new role.

I'm stuck between what to ask for, my choices are:

• 37 hours in 4 days (9.25 hours per day)

or

• 30 hours in 3 days (10 hours per day)

There's a difference , plus £400 take home.

I'm currently doing 30 in 3 - and love it, my work like balance is great, and I get 4 full days with my child. But feel guilty about missing the £400 a month, when we are planning on moving next year (that £400 a month will be the difference in mortgage). I also feel guilty about missing the time with my child since we don't really need that extra £400 and can afford to move without it.

My husband is saying take money out of the equation, but then they'd be no question - I'd negotiate the 3 days, its hard to take £400 a month out of the equation though.

I'm so conflicted - I wont get this time back but i know i'll want to reduce temporarily at least to 30 in 3 when I have another child.

But is it better for my child to have me home an extra day (who otherwise would be with grandad so no nursery costs) and less money, or I work the other day (with child at grandads - who is very excited about having them) with an extra £400 in savings/play money.

I get mom guilt both sides and need some unbiased opinions.

My only thought is maternity leave if you have another child - this would be based on your salary now (in qualifying weeks). So if you work 37 hours in these weeks (vs 30), you would be entitled to more maternity pay.

I can totally understand the dilemma!

The other factor is how important is progression in your career to you?

How old is your child? If you reduce to 3 days is there the option to increase hours later on? I worked three days a week until my DD went to school and then I increased to 4 days. ( reducing to 3 days in the school holidays) I have subsequently increased to 9 hour days which I don’t really mind but have been loathed to return full time because I really enjoy my Friday off. The one note or caution I would have is the impact this will have on your pension. My DH has just retired at 54 but I’m going to be working another 4 years to get a decent enough pension - the part time has really had an impact. This is fair enough as you can’t have it all ways but if I were to get divorced I’d be up shit creek and having to work forever. So don’t forget to include that in your calculations.

I would opt for less hours. You can never get back the time you would miss out spending with your child if you work the extra day, but your earnings will presumably increase over time.

Personally I would do more hours for now if you are planning for another child. You'll get better maternity pay and can come back after your next (?last) child and negotiate shorter hours then.
Your child will gain so much from having a day a week with a loving grandparent - I did, and my kids did as well.

What's the childcare for the other 3 days? Nursery? If so then
I would do this:

• 37 hours in 4 days (9.25 hours per day)

This will allow your child to spend time with grandad before starting school. The £400 extra will make mortgage so much easier so I know your husband has said to take the money out of it but you get 1 day with your child so it's not like you're missing our completely. There's also the future to think of. Your pension will be much better with those 7 extra hours now and when you're older you might want to reduce your hours

Yes that is my other dilemma - ideally i'd like to be full time until next baby then reduce - but not certain I can ask that in the negotiation aha

Career progression isn't too much on an issue at present as I'm moving into a role which fills some gaps in my CV. I plan to spend around 3/4 years here (whilst my kids are young), then start the progression upwards - accepting that i'll have to be full time at that point.

Also depending on age 4 days not with you is a good transition for school

No but you could increase your hours and then if a baby comes along apply for flexible working to reduce your hours then.

I would opt for less hours...the time spent with your children is very short and you will never get it back.

If you can afford it I'd go for the time with my DC every time. They grow up so fast and you never get these years back.