If your take home pay was 5k a month, would you do this?

[Juso]

Current situation is a single parent (ex does the bare minimum, he’s never even done a nursery run!) and doesn’t pay a penny (constantly out of work and gives me 100 here and there).

My current job is flexible, I can do pick up when I want and get to the office when I want. I can work from home when suits.

Ive been offered a role which requires 9-4 in the office, four days a week. But, it’s 1k a month more after tax. I wouldn’t have to spend more on childcare as dd is already in to 5pm.

I feel so conflicted. Things are ok at the moment but it’s hard to give up the extra 1k especially when you’re ok your own. But I might be making a mistake with being happy where I am and having flexibility. Wha would
you do?

I wouldn't do that while dc is so young. Would feel far too guilty putting them in childcare for longer. Dc won't care about that grand but they will notice you not being around.

If kids were 8/9, I'd take it, but with years of primary school to navigate, I'd take flexibility. I'm waiting until my kids are in Secondary before getting something paying more but less flexible, or I'll pay all the extra on childcare and have an inflexible job.

There is a lot to be said for flexibility without stress. Do you need the extra, would it be worth the hassle? I don't think I would unless I really needed the money.

So are you on 5k and this takes you to 6k. Or are you on 4k with this meaning 5k?

I think either way I would keep the flexibility but especially if it's the difference of 5 to 6.

I can imagine the money is needed but probably more so the flexibility.

But the dd would be in childcare for the same time?

Don’t underestimate the value of flexibility. I’ve recently moved to a 9-5 job, in office 5 days a week. I can’t wfh and find it hard to juggle everything sometimes. Also commuting in rush hour adds another half hour each way to my journey thanks to traffic

How old is your DC?

I think id be less inclined if they were young due to the loss of flexibility as you're the one who has to deal with all situations as a parent, unless of course you have a very helpful village.

I'm very biased as I love the flexibility of WFH and all its benefits and absolutely hate the prospect of a job requiring me to be onsite.

I would go for it. Its not long hours, you have the childcare sorted. 1k more a month is a lot.

What’s the commute like and what are the costs? Don’t underestimate cost of petrol and parking per day. If it’s £1k before tax, and there’s a big commute then you might find you’re not as well off as you think you are.

How likely is new role to be a bit flexible once dc at school - which is when you’d need it (settling in sessions, Christmas play, carol service, harvest festival, class play etc there’s a lot once they’re at school!)? Or do you have grandparents that can be attentive attendees?

Dc is in childcare til 5 regardless of ops hours.

Honestly I know life can change but if you have a well child I'd take the money. If you dint "need" it save it all. Give yourself extra cushion or treats.

Do you do 4 days a week now?

@Redcrayons it’s 1k after tax but actually parking is 15 a day and I hadn’t considered that!

How old is DD?
And would school holidays be ok?

Id take it if you arexaboutvto leave primary, not if you are down in KS1.

Is there significant commuting involved in the new job? 9-4, 4 days a week is not too bad, worth £1000 extra a month. And when you say it's not flexible, does that refer strictly to days in the office? Or would it allow you to, for example, leave early to go to a sports day and make up the hours in the evening? In some jobs it's just not possible. I would take the job if it required office presence but was otherwise relaxed and flexible.

I wouldn't do it. Flexibility has no price when your kids are young

I would take it considering DC is already in childcare.

How will you do school pick-ups? I'd be tempted to take it!

I'd go for it. Helps career progression, get more into pension, pay off mortgage. Even with the parking it's a huge plus

Absolutely yes!

I wouldn't, as a single parent with no support.

Mother of 3 and 2 you with a partner here.

I would decline the new role UNLESS you can negotiate flex.

My oldest will start school on September and its going to introduce a lot of logistical challenges. You need to be around a lot in September and half the CMs near me dont drive or do pick ups 🙈

your current role has a lot going for it....I think the fact youare a known / proven quantity is also valuable vs a new role where you need to "prove yourself"

I'd stay in the job thats got the most flexibility currently as a single mum of a young child. I don't think you can put a price on that and the less stress it brings.

Absolutely i’d take it.

15 x 4 days x 46 weeks (exc. hols) = £2,760 p.a.

add petrol costs
add lunches - even packed lunches will cost more than lunch at home
add decent professional clothes - can't slob around the office in 'athleisure'.

No, it is not worth it, and that is before considering the lack of flexibility.