What working pattern would you choose?

[Teacherbee85]

I'm a teacher returning part time after maternity leave - family childcare and they don't mind which I choose -

Can I ask your opinion on my working pattern please?

I have the option to do either:

Option 1: 
Monday full day (8.50am - 3.55pm)
Tuesday full day (8.50am - 3.05pm)
Wednesday half day (8.50am - 11.45am)

Option 2:
Monday full day (8.50am - 3.55pm)
Tuesday full day (8.50am - 3.05pm)
Wednesday full day (8.50am - 3.55pm) every OTHER week

What would you choose? I initially thought Option 2 as then I have the Wed off every second week but now I'm wondering as if I did every Wed it would be an easy morning especially as Wed is one of the long days which is a killer especially in winter when it's dark by 4pm and the kids are fed up

I have until the end of the week to decide!

[Olika]

Personally I would prefer 2.5 days each week.

[YeahComeOnThen]

Option 2

its one day a fortnight you don't have to rush about in the morning getting the baby ready and yourself to school on time.

for me that beats leaving early every Wednesday.

keep in mind there will be an opportunity to change in the future.

[PeaceOnThePorch]

Definitely option 2. Both seem pretty good though!

[YeahComeOnThen]

might change my mind if your family member is coming to yours and you only need to get yourself ready & off to work & your happy to doend the afternoon with the person who is looking after your baby. (My mum would see Wednesday afternoons with me & my baby).

[Teacherbee85]

@YeahComeOnThen yeah my mum would just be coming to my house for childcare then I expect we'd end up going out for lunch if I went with option 1. But I'd still spend every second Wed with her anyway even if I did do option 2.

[AngelQuartz]

I’d prefer option 1.

[fieldsofbutterflies]

Option 1, as it's the same every week and makes it easier to sort appointments or to make plans with friends.

[FunLurker]

I'd chat with the child care and see what they prefer.

[Teacherbee85]

@FunLurker - I did and they don't mind!

Option 1 I feel like it's a waste I'm using 3 days petrol every week but its only a 20 min drive so the difference is negligible.
Also I need to get up and presentable for work an extra 2 days a month. But the half day would pass in a flash. Argh I'm still so undecided 🙃

[FunLurker]

I would prefer option 1 for myself but I think with a young baby I would do option 2 as the baby would get use to e whole days.

[TaggySits]

I would prefer option 1 myself as it gives consistency each week, but only as long as you can definitely walk out at the agreed time on the Wed and won't end up working longer to "just clear things up" etc. If that is likely then definitely option 2.

[Teacherbee85]

@TaggySits this is absolutely something to consider, however I have no timetabled classes after that and everyone would know I would need to leave for childcare reasons anyway!

[KeepSmiling89]

Seeing it from both sides (as a mother and how it would impact school - your pupils in particular), I would go with option 1. So much more consistency for everyone (yourself, your family, your class...)

[WildCountry]

When is staff meeting? A lot of schools do Wednesday so with option 1 you could miss it every week!

[nadine90]

Option 2. Once you’re there, I’m sure you’ll be so busy that a full day will pass quickly. Having alt Wednesdays off will give you golden time for short breaks, nice days out and lazy mornings at home xx

[Teacherbee85]

@WildCountry we don't have whole staff meetings anymore - they went away with covid and didn't return thankfully 😅 I might miss the dept one but that's no big deal as we're all kept in the loop anyway

[babybirdsmomma]

I used to work full days mon/tue and half day Wednesday. Either ended up staying later on the Wednesday or rushing about trying to fit in odd jobs on my way home and for the couple of free hours I had it really felt like I'd been working all day anyway. I'd take option 2 and have a lovely extra day off every other week. Petrol money is an issue too , might as well be there the whole day as it's costing you the same.

[Teacherbee85]

@babybirdsmomma yeah this is how I feel too. The idea of the easy Wed is appealing though!

[YeahComeOnThen]

@Teacherbee85

@YeahComeOnThen yeah my mum would just be coming to my house for childcare then I expect we'd end up going out for lunch if I went with option 1. But I'd still spend every second Wed with her anyway even if I did do option 2.

Well given that, personally I'd go for Half day Wednesdays.

[CrushingOnRubies]

Option 2

I work in a school and that .5 day is pointless because you'll end up doing the safeguarding disclaims, last minute marking, calls to parents, can you justs... on your own time. Or you'll feel guilty that you're missing the after school meeting. Or whatever

Which I know you'll probs do that in the evening anyway but if you're not physically in the building it's more your time.