To work part time?

[newmoonymoon]

I started a new job, 3.5 days per week. So far so good but I can’t help feeling bad about the amount of money I am loosing. Kids are 15 and 18 so there is no reason for me to work part time. Financially we are ok but I am early 50 and only have 150k in pension. I should really be increasing this in the next few years?

I was applying for various roles full time and part time and I got this offer sp decided to accept it instead of waiting for the perfect role

What's your question/AIBU?

Should I be looking for a full time job? Am I wasting money and time instead of working more hours and increasing my pension?

These are questions for you and your partner to discuss between you. Only you can decide what you want your retirement look like, whether you each have enough pension projected to accommodate those plans, what you’re realistically prepared to sacrifice and cut back on in terms of lifestyle now so that your part time earnings stretch far enough, what if any financial provision you’d like to have in place for young adult DC and if that’s feasible. And ultimately, taking a part time job now doesn’t mean it has to be for the next 15 plus years, if there’s a point you have to consider full time, you can still reassess.

Thank you. This is helpful

I'd say yes, look for a full time job, and increase your pension. But only you can decide.

Depends what you want your work life balance to look like. I work the same hours as you, but decided not to increase my hours due to a history of alzheimers in my family. I want to enjoy my free time now.
I'm not rolling in money, but am.ok. i don't have expensive taste so the extra cash doesn't bother me. Also think about the tax & Ni contributions.

Thank you. I will give it 6 months, see if there is a possibility of increasing the hours; if not I will look for a full time job. I would probably like to have 1 day off every other week, loose 10 percent of my salary; but 30 percent is a lot to sacrifice; and I really need to push my pensions contributions be able to support the kids through university.

My dc are 14-17 and need me a lot more than I expected. I do work ft but it’s very flexible and wfh 3 days a week. It works for us, but I’m 43. By 50 I would love to work pt if finances allowed.

Really?

I think as long as work is hybrid an one parent is around to check on them is fine when they are teens as they are more independent and out and about more. There are no school runs, should be able to do their homework, laundry, cook, etc

There’s something about being available to them straight after school. Mine seem to want to off load and it’s a chance for me to get an insight into their lives. I think it’s important to encourage. They become independent but the issues are bigger and having a solid base is so important for grounding them.

Makes sense. Yes, I wouldn’t like them to be alone all the time. I think as long as you can split wfh with your partner so they always have someone when they come home is fine. Not so good if both parents have full time demanding jobs.

Life and relationships are more important than money. Enjoy your extra free time. You never know when your number's up.

Thank you. It is having the right balance I guess.