AIBU to stay in a flexible but extremely low-paid job that suits family life?

[reallyneedsomeadvice]

I'm having to try not to make this too outing but really need some advice. I've been with the same company for 10 years, my boss is absolutely lovely, I'm a project manager in a very niche industry that generally pays loads less than other project management work. After covid we've had a really tough time and my boss had to take a loan out against the company. We're now doing much better but still not making big bucks, if that makes sense.

I work fully remotely from home, Mon-Friday, school hours as we got a little kid, (9am-3pm), additionally to my normal holiday get two extra weeks in August, never have any stress, and so much time during the day that I can do all housework.

However, I earn a pittance ( just under £25k a year ). My husband earns well and we are fairly frugal anyways so it's okay, but I am well aware that this kind of salary is a joke.

Should I;

AIBU) start a riot and demand more pay
YANBU) keep my extremely cushy job and just live on less money

I am well aware that I'll never find a job like this again which fits so nicely with family life! But the pay is crap

Not the worst op and no commute. If its working well for you do it. My friend earns v good money its alot stress she on road early

That's 30k full time equivalent (37h)
Yes, not great but above the UK national average and sounds incredibly flexible.

The key questions are:
Do you need the money?
Are you unhappy?

If the answers are no, I really wouldn't upset the apple cart just for extra cash with a young school aged child.

For context I have accepted a promotion & gone FT from 4 days - life with a 10/12yo is just chaotic, I never stop. I'm happier on my work (which makes it worth it for me) but miss my 4 days so much.

Nothing stopping you from asking about a pay rise. Or more benefits in lieu.

We were sat in traffic at rush hour yesterday and my DH jokingly said this is when ‘normal people’ are coming home from work and I said nahhhh, not for me

Higher paying, flexible, WFH project management jobs absolutely do exist. I work with lots of these folks in the public sector and most are being paid £50k+ full time.

Just depends on what your priorities are right now. It's completely ok to want to focus on your family life. Things might change in future. Equally, it's ok to try and find a new job with similar flexibility and higher pay.

why are you even asking? strange one of your options is "start a riot and demand more pay" ? I hope that's a bad joke because that's a quick way to find yourself less valuable to the company!

Other issue with changing jobs apart from more work, less time etc is the lack of job security ... I've known several people who have moved to great jobs and found out very soon that the job will no longer exist soon, the company was aware they were restructuring when they employed them. Or you could just hate it

You don't need more money. You love your job. The hours give a really good work life balance. It seems a simple decision to me, I'd definitely stick with the job.

I think it sounds great. Think about all the additional costs if you had an office job - wraparound, the car, clothes, etc. And the logistics around missing assemblies and such. If you can make it work and are happy and your family is happy I think you’re winning!

I found this quite depressing to read as I work 4 full days a week for minimum wage, with a drive to and from work. I have a 2 year old, I would love to earn this amount. Just giving a different perspective, most people I work with are in a similar position.

Job market is tough at the minute so even if you wanted to move it might be difficult to find something that fits the bill.
£25k is a decent salary to bring in, I am an ex project manager on just over minimum wage in an admin role because I couldn’t find anything part time so I would say based on your flexibility you’re actually making a smart decision to stay.

Sounds perfect to me OP. Comparison is the thief of joy.

It was tongue in cheek, I didn't mean to actually start a riot.

Yes, exactly that. I am worried I might hate whatever prospective new job and then there would be no way back, or as you say the job becoming obsolete.

Thank you so much! You are probably right- I did apply at some point last year and I didn't even get an interview or anything so probably safer to stay put.

I did this a couple of years ago and was told in no uncertain terms that the company can't afford it. I'm a bit afraid to rock the boat!

Thank you for your reply. Yes, you are absolutely right. I think what isn't helping is that lots of the school mums I know have amazing, really interesting careers and bring in the main wage of the household. I'm a bit afraid that I won't be able to catch up once DS is older but I suppose one can always try and change career.

I'm sorry, I didn't want to upset anyone. I actually thought that I was fairly close to min wage- depending on what year we have/ what projects I can make quite a few grand less than £25k as well. It's tough when you have a commute as well- petrol etc. Hope for a payrise for you soon!

Is it a fair salary for the job you do?
Would a man accept your terms and conditions?

It is a positive that you get to spend time with your son and work in a job you love but you should be paid fairly. Does your husband worry about his work life balance?

If you enjoy your job, happy in your workplace and can afford to I would stick at it. True flexibility, not having to pay wrap around, those extra weeks holiday, work from home is gold dust. You can always apply to other jobs when DC is older and you don't have to fork out for wrap around and lots of holiday clubs. No-one will judge you for staying in a workplace for a long time.

Remember the only people you are irreplaceable to is your family. If you can be there for everything and have a lovely work life balance and happy in your workplace that is worth so much more than money. Plus whilst another job may pay more, some of that pay increase may get eaten up having to pay for childcare if they are not as flexible.

I'm not sure what you are getting at to be honest, what terms and conditions? My husband is the main earner so he has less downtime than I have but he's happy with his work life balance yes.

I was doing the same as you (very underpaid, low hours, flexible role) when my children were in nursery. Then Covid hit, my husband lost his job and I picked my career back up. I progressed really quickly because of the skills I'd developed and earned a really nice wage. The stress and impact on family life was not worth it. I took a 40% paycut for a job that uses my skills, interests me but is fully remote and flexible and isn't where the buck stops. We're comfortable and it suits us. My children are in secondary school and I'll do this till they finish their GCSEs.

I am studying a qualification that is very valuable in my field so thaf keeps my skills marketable.

I would keep the job and get a side hustle.

I definitely don’t think you can ask for more money, given that you work school hours and are able to do housework during the day while being paid.

Yes, I thought about that, but not sure what! I'm bilingual so have done teaching before but it doesn't pay enough to make it worthwhile (online lessons that is).

Its not too badly paid for 6hrs a day, no travel costs and extra 2wks AL in summer. Stick with it as you can afford it overall it seems.

Tutoring?