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?

They are unlikely to find out. Both my manager and her manager will be abroad. Most of the other team are off in August too. I tend to work flexibly around one of my DC who has a lot of medical appointments and they always said it is fine as long as the work gets done. It does get done.

How is it misuse of wfh?

Do you work full time? I wfh with my 10 year old but I only do two days a week (from home) and my boss knows he’s here. I can work any hours so usually do it around taking him out. I wouldn’t spend a fortune on childcare if you don’t have to but I would check you’re not in breech of contract.

I have proper annual leave booked for September when they are back at school, so I will get a proper break then

Why not take your leave when your kids are at home? Are you on the wind up?

I am not planning to mention it to anyone. Looking after children while working is not mentioned in my contract.

I will get more of a break when they are at school.

Whilst you are being paid for working?

Yes I work full time. January is deadly quiet as well. I was told I did not have to come to the office at all.

Yes. I can do both

Fucking hell

Dunno, the odd day I think would be fine but a whole month is taking the piss. My litmus test is "can I justify this to my boss if pulled up on it in a disciplinary" and I'm not sure you could.

It would be pretty normal at our place honestly. We don’t have times that are quite as quiet as you describe, but quieter certainly.

I had a straight up discussion with my boss who is our Chief Exec that I don’t have enough holiday to cover the full holidays and clubs not available the whole time either. I suggested taking some unpaid leave and he said no need, just work flexibly, I trust you to do what needs to be done and don’t expect you to be sat at your laptop 9-5. I got this followed up in writing just in case!

I’ve organised some clubs, called in a couple of favours and DH is taking a week off as he has more leave than me. But I’m definitely going to have some days of working early mornings/ after bedtime and taking DC out to do some fun things in between.

I think you’d be completely taking the piss.

If you honestly don’t think there is anything wrong with it then have conversation upfront with your boss and get it agreed, don’t go sneaking around.

Because you are engaged in cc whilst contracting to work.
Answering emails on the phone whilst out with the kids?
I'm not being sarcastic when I say this doesn't constitute paid work.
Are you on contracted hours?
My views on wfh are greatly influenced by my experiences of people who I have met wfh.
In my industry, the work is never done. It's rolling 24/7/365 & you work contracted hours irrespective of how busy /not so busy you are

Well in my experience of looking after children, I have been lucky if I was able to drink a hot cup of tea!

Does it make a difference where I answer emails?

My workplace isn't archaic. As long as the job gets done to a high standard that is what matters. I consistently hit all my targets on time.

Yes I am contracted hours. I work in a different industry to you where the work is virtually non existent in some months like January and August.

I can easily manage several cups of tea with an 8 and 10 year old!

If that's true then tell your boss you're planning to be with the kids during Auguat but will answer emails on your phone. Get their agreement in writing so it can't come back on you.

I was just about to say the same thing.,

Exactly!

And this way you don’t have to worry about losing your job when they find out.

I would probably do the same in your shoes. They’re old enough to keep themselves occupied. From your description you can be timely and responsive when needed and will make sure the work gets done.

Is it your company policy to allow people to not work whilst they are being paid to do so? Do you have some kind of contract which just allows you to do nothing all day? If so, cool. If not then You’re really taking the piss and are part of the problem which causes people to believe that those who wfh do nothing all day.

But not everyone works in your industry

OP clearly has a job where some months are busy and others are dead.

I actually think you are taking the piss, especially with your comment of " I will get more of a break (if take annual leave )when the kids are back at school "

I think you should mention it to your employer. If they are as flexible as you say they are, and it genuinely is as quiet as you say, then why not mention it? If its cos you think they will have a problem, there is your answer.

Great to hear. Not sure what industry you are in but I am clearly in the wrong one. Enjoy your summer holidays