to think I can get by without childcare in August because work is quiet?

[isitPeri1]

Every August, work slows down massively. It has always been this way. There is barely anything coming in, hardly any meetings or deadlines, and most of my team is off. My manager and her manager are both away for the whole of August, so it is very unlikely anything urgent will come up.

I have primary school-aged kids and I am thinking I might skip childcare this year. I usually only have about one to two hours of work a day in August, and some days there is literally nothing to do at all. Anything that does come up, I can usually fit around the kids early in the morning or after they have gone to bed. I have proper annual leave booked for September when they are back at school, so I will get a proper break then.

Has anyone else done this? Just managed without childcare when work was super quiet?

8 and 10 should be fine, they aren't going to be screaming and jumping all over you on Zoom calls. Make sure you use a room they aren't allowed in to make work calls, but I'm sure you've thought of that.

My DM (nursery nurse) always took us to work on Inset days, and WFH is a lot more practical than that IMO. It's your home, that other people live in. They shouldn't have to be banished from the entire premises because Mummy needs to send a few emails. Anyone arguing that they should be is just jealous!

There is nothing wrong with a solo holiday as a parent. I truly value time on my own. That space to just be myself and have no one else putting any demands on me, which still happens on a family holiday, is so important for recharging my battery.

All industries are different. Just because a lot of people do have consistent workload year round doesn't mean it applies across all organizations. Whether people here are willing to admit it or not, it absolutely reeks of jealousy from those who are unable to understand and accept that OP sounds like she has a great life:work balance and has a solution which works for her, her family and her employer.

As I and many have said, you come across as entitled, with your my holiday alone is better for me.

Im sorry but that seems unpleasant when you’re already getting a week alone in August.

You’re doing your best for you with your two weeks alone. Which you have already admitted by the September holiday suiting you best, because you enjoy it more.

I’m not sure why you’ve asked for an opinion.

Am I the only person who thinks that when it gets busy the OP will do her allocated hours and no more?

Its interesting that the OP refuses to name their industry. Its clearly a permament full time role and wondering whether its Higher Education which has a huge amount of piss taking (not everyone of course).

My DS was badly let down when he did his degree with the attitude of the lecturers during COVID. So were his fellow students.

I’d do it. I’ve booked no leave and my youngest is 9. Like you works dead.

Yes I am also interested that the OP won't even name the general sort of field she is in. It wouldn't out her.

Whatever it is though, public or private sector, someone somewhere will know that she (and her manager by the sounds of it) are taking the piss, and I can't believe there won't be consequences at some point. It will be at the expense of someone.

It's possible this doesn't matter to the OP, in which case that's fine - perhaps she has a large private inheritance to live off and her income is just pocket money. Or perhaps her partner is main earner. But I am telling you OP as someone who has managed lots of people: if you are in any way ambitious, this attitude will get you nowhere.

It also makes me quite cross from a feminist POV. Women with kids (me included) have worked so hard to ensure we are taken as seriously as childless men in the workplace. Behaviour like this sets that back so much.

I am a relationship manager so yes if a business has an urgent issue and its my customer , I would have to be available to sort it.

I also like summer, I would rather use my leave during the warmer dry months, even though I am not as busy (mostly).

@Hecatoncheires - Re 'times are very different these days'. Yes, the British economy is going down the toilet and a work ethic like this is one of the reasons why.

Efficient workplaces should plan around ebb and flow, e.g. my workplace is very quiet at Christmas so it is mandated that we take holiday in the week between Christmas and New Year. Multiple staff being paid to 'work' whilst they're on outings with their kids is economically insane, it's cheating someone somewhere out of money... and it is ultimately unsustainable.

well just by the fact that your job is full time then already you’re not dedicating every second of your life to your children are you? Most working parents share their annual leave between them to ensure they spend as much time with them during school holidays as they can, plus take some leave off at the same time so that they can go away on a family holiday together. How come your DH is away on a family holiday and you’re not on it? Even though it’s a quiet time in work and it would have made perfect sense to go now?

it’s really odd that you say you need a break from your children in September. Are you on a wind-up? Aren’t they away with DH now? You’re having a break from them now.

It is the way you come across in your messages. I will say it again, if your workplace and manager is completely fine with this arrangement and it is normal in your industry, then what is the point in this thread? If you are confident you have no work/self development/training to do for the full 4 weeks, then you know you can manage. A pointless thread.

You know what? It’s pretty quiet in my public sector job during August as lots of people on leave etc. if my manager is ok with it, do any of you tax payers mind if I take home my full salary whilst I do a few emails on my phone and spend my days taking the kids out?

Amazingly some people get caught out when seen out and about when they should be at work.
Why take annual leave once your kids are back at school? Obviously you planned to bunk off work months ago

If the work you are being paid to do is done, I don’t mind.

Why are you here then? Scroll on by.

I think what actually comes across here is discomfort with a mother setting boundaries and openly saying she enjoys time alone. That does not make me entitled. It makes me honest.

Parents are allowed to enjoy time with their kids and also enjoy time to themselves. The two are not in conflict. I am present, hands-on, and responsible during the summer holidays, and I have more than earned a proper break when it works for me.

Doing what works for me does not mean I am neglecting anyone.

Is that how you think I won my exceptional performance award?

So the children won’t be doing anything as I assume they’ll have to stay inside with you wfh.

Not really fair on them is it.

Can you not send them to a summer program near you for a couple of days a week

lol if only. Even when it quiet there is still loads to do. Despite what people think, we do work hard all year round and don’t pretend to wfh!

I do not need to justify how many breaks I take, or when I take them, as long as I am meeting my responsibilities — which I am. I work hard, I parent actively, and I am entitled to my annual leave just like anyone else. If that means I choose to take proper time off in September too, that is entirely my choice.

There is nothing wrong with making time for myself more than once a year. it is sensible.

Everyone is allowed to spend their time off in the way that works best for them. I do not owe anyone an explanation for how or when I choose to rest.

Exceptional Work Award?? Really?

Something is very wrong with your industry if you can take weeks and weeks off for free, then annual leave and your line managers are doing exactly the same thing.

If you have completed your work in less hours than you are paid by some way then why on earth arent you being given more to do?

Something really doesnt sound right here.

I am taking them out. They are not going to be sat inside all summer.

You said your job was quiet in August. But now you’re saying it’s not? If it isn’t then your situation is clearly not comparable to the OP’s therefore I’m not sure why you bothered posting as you don’t have any point to make.

Which comes across as entitled, it’s all what’s best for you.

You “dedicate” three weeks in August, but don’t want an actual break away with them, enjoying the experiences with them that a holiday brings.

Holidays away are a wonderful memory that children remember, swimming in the sea, or hiking, changes in scenery, changes in food blah blah…. You’re missing out and they will remember the holidays with their father a lot.

But as you say, you prefer a week (or two) alone, which of course is your choice and one you have chosen. Do you holiday with them at any time, I’ve assumed not as you’ve not mentioned it.

Quiet to me means not loads of calls / meetings / emails. But there is still all the ACTUAL work to do, planning , designing, training, team reviews etc