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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you’d bother doing this job with a toddler?

50 replies

Happppen · 31/05/2025 11:56

I’ve been in two minds about going back to work and ds is 3 in august. I’ve been offered a job to start in august which is 9am to 4pm, Monday to friday, take home pay is 4,300 after tax. I can only work from home one afternoon a week. They won’t reduce the days, so it’s this offer or nothing.

I would be able to collect ds at 4:25 and be home for 4:45 with him each day.

We don’t need the money but equally we would be able to do loads more if I went back to work. At the moment we budget a lot. I’m also a bit bored at home. I wonder if it’s fair on ds and whether this is even a good deal in the sense that I have to work every day of the week. What would you do?

OP posts:
Edenmum2 · 31/05/2025 13:27

Personally I wouldn’t if I didn’t have to, not a year before school. I wouldn’t feel guilty, I just wouldn’t want to give up that time - those years are so so short. But you have to do what works for you.

TeddyBeans · 31/05/2025 13:30

I think you'd be daft not to OP tbh

daffodilandtulip · 31/05/2025 13:35

Happppen · 31/05/2025 12:24

I feel like it’s quite a long day as will have to drop him off at 5 to 8 in the morning! So he’s basically going to be there 8am to 4:30 pretty much. I feel so guilty about it.

I'm a provider and children are with me 7:30-17:30. The ones who leave at 4/4:30 often sulk about leaving earlier than their friends and the days with children who leave around then actually feel really short.

Praying4Peace · 31/05/2025 13:36

Happppen · 31/05/2025 12:24

I feel like it’s quite a long day as will have to drop him off at 5 to 8 in the morning! So he’s basically going to be there 8am to 4:30 pretty much. I feel so guilty about it.

You are fortunate to have those hours, you will be home every evening.
Some people don't have the choice re such hours.
Go for it 😄

faerietales · 31/05/2025 13:39

Sounds ideal to me.

CookingFatCat · 31/05/2025 13:58

Bother? Of course I would bother!! Most women would.
Read the room why don’t you !

jasmine465 · 31/05/2025 14:04

I would snap their hand off for this job! I’ve had to go back full time working 12 hour shifts plus nights for far less. Others have made valid points about pension contributions etc.

As DS is nearly 3, I expect he will actually enjoy the social and activities side of nursery or whatever childcare you decide on, and be a great introduction to that school environment/ routine.

monkeysox · 31/05/2025 14:47

Happppen · 31/05/2025 11:56

I’ve been in two minds about going back to work and ds is 3 in august. I’ve been offered a job to start in august which is 9am to 4pm, Monday to friday, take home pay is 4,300 after tax. I can only work from home one afternoon a week. They won’t reduce the days, so it’s this offer or nothing.

I would be able to collect ds at 4:25 and be home for 4:45 with him each day.

We don’t need the money but equally we would be able to do loads more if I went back to work. At the moment we budget a lot. I’m also a bit bored at home. I wonder if it’s fair on ds and whether this is even a good deal in the sense that I have to work every day of the week. What would you do?

That's a fabulous wage for such hours. Most people would grab it with both hands.
You'll still be able to do evening clubs and activities.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 31/05/2025 14:47

Happppen · 31/05/2025 12:24

I feel like it’s quite a long day as will have to drop him off at 5 to 8 in the morning! So he’s basically going to be there 8am to 4:30 pretty much. I feel so guilty about it.

That's a fairly normal childcare day.

SupposesRoses · 31/05/2025 14:50

If you don’t need the money you could spend some of the additional income on a nanny instead of on nursery.

Comedycook · 31/05/2025 14:54

We don’t need the money but equally we would be able to do loads more if I went back to work. At the moment we budget a lot

I don't understand how you can say we don't need the money but also we budget a lot? What does budgeting a lot mean?

Golidlocksandthethreeswears · 31/05/2025 14:54

I would (and not just because I work longer hours for half the pay 😂)

In a year or so your son will be off to school. Perfect timing to establish yourself as an asset to the company and then flexible working request around school hours if necessary (depending on partners job etc)

coxesorangepippin · 31/05/2025 14:55

Are you kidding or what???

Stepintomyshoes · 31/05/2025 14:56

YABU because this is clearly fake and intended to bait people. Don’t fall for it.

rainbowsandraspberrygin · 31/05/2025 15:08

Go for it. That’s shorter than a lot of FT workers/kids in childcare. He’ll have a great time - it’ll prep him for school and you’ll get some money to save. Don’t feel guilty - you never know what will happen around the corner and the extra money will help. Just check for annual leave and parental leave etc for the job. For that salary I’m guessing lots of responsibilities- will you be required to stay late or work away??

Debinaround · 31/05/2025 16:36

coxesorangepippin · 31/05/2025 14:55

Are you kidding or what???

Total pisstake if you ask me. Start at 8 and home well before 5. For that money and she’s dithering even though she says they budget. Aye right 🙄

AlorsTimeForWine · 31/05/2025 16:38

This is a GREAT wage for those hours. These jobs dont come up often.
I think you need to think longer term but I would definitely take it

mondaytosunday · 31/05/2025 16:39

Take it!

Tangled123 · 31/05/2025 16:42

I’ll take it if you don’t want it OP.

Youcancallmeirrelevant · 31/05/2025 17:41

Happppen · 31/05/2025 12:24

I feel like it’s quite a long day as will have to drop him off at 5 to 8 in the morning! So he’s basically going to be there 8am to 4:30 pretty much. I feel so guilty about it.

8-4:30 is not a long day, they'll be fine

DongDingBell · 31/05/2025 17:49

You've been out of work for 3+ years, and have just been offered a job at 80k, with the possibility of walking out the door at 4pm??
Grab it!

Birch101 · 31/05/2025 18:11

Yes I would for 6.5hr days and that take home pay.

But I'd need to know if they are actually the hours as in you get up and leave at 4 or will you be in meetings/calls that run longer I guess it's depends how senior you are and just saying I'll have to deal with that tonight or tomorrow.

I'd also put child into nursery for longer even if just till 5 3 days a week so you can have time to do things e.g. food shop collection, sort out bills etc

What is the parental leave situation like when DC is sick and unable to go to childcare if you are both back at work

But yes I would

Snugglemonkey · 31/05/2025 18:14

I would do it if my youngest was this age.

Readytohealnow · 31/05/2025 19:04

Happppen · 31/05/2025 12:24

I feel like it’s quite a long day as will have to drop him off at 5 to 8 in the morning! So he’s basically going to be there 8am to 4:30 pretty much. I feel so guilty about it.

Guilty why? This is reality for most children! 3 years at home …it’s time to go back OP.

Original poster
Happppen · 01/06/2025 13:01

Thanks everyone! I think it’s the concept of the longer day that’s making me hesitate and the fact it’s five days a week so not even one day off from nursery for him! You’re right that school is soon though anyway.

Wondering if I could ask to do four days a week for the first year but might be taking the piss and they’ll probably say no

OP posts:
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