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

She’s on way above minimum wage.

I did years on a low salary, in a job that was great in terms of flexibility, it was quite stressful due to the industry but I enjoyed it. My plan was to move on when both children went to comp. I was earning less than you. I did a course that would be helpful moving forward, and then saw a perfect job for me by chance, a bit earlier than planned as ds is at the end of primary school- I worried my low previous salary would hold me back, but I got the job, it’s incredibly flexible, fascinating work with an amazing pension, just under 40k, which in mums net terms is a pittance I know- but for me is amazing! I would stick with the set up you have got now in your circumstances- and then plan for when your child moves schools. You can’t buy time back- but you can earn more in the future

Stay - it’s not a pittance at all. You’ve read too many fantasy tales from the mythical 6 figure earners on here!

I think it sounds perfect. I’d prioritise keeping your skills up but enjoy! Who are you trying to impress and why?

I have a lot of high earning friends and so much of their money is swallowed up by outsourcing because they have no time e.g. cleaner, gardener, dog walker, childcare, DIY, takeaways or meal subscriptions etc.

I am on a low salary by mumsnet standards but I love my job and have the flexibility to attend school events. I also avoid all the costs above because I just do everything myself.

As you are married you have financial protection so if it suits you both I'd stay put.

It sounds like a good deal to me, you enjoy your job but have plenty of time for the rest of your life. The hours are enviable and the pay isn’t that bad. I don’t think I’d be at all tempted to look elsewhere for the time being.

So much more to life than salary (which isn’t too bad in my opinion!)

Once you add in having to pay for childcare, petrol, holiday care, work clothes and lunches etc and then consider the impact on your quality of life - I don’t think you have a bad deal at all

If you’re happy enough then I’d stick with it while your child is at primary school at least

I have an interesting but fairly easy, flexible day job which suits my family. The pay is not great so I've got an extra admin job I can do in the evenings when they're in bed which pays for holidays and treats. I could be earning 20k more in my industry if I took a different role, but I'd miss sports day, assemblies etc plus having hassle if the kids are ill/have the drs etc. As a single mum, the extra cash would be great but it wouldn't make up for not being able to show up.

I absolutely recognise how fortunate I am to have that choice.

Congratulations, sounds perfect and came at a great time!

Yes, you are right that you can't buy back time.

Thank you all so much for your messages, it's given me lots of perspective and things to think about.

I think I'll definitely stick with it for now, the only thing is whether or not I ask for a pay rise as the thing is- I really work so little I don't want to rock the boat for an extra £2k a year or so (as I'm sure we cannot afford more than that anyways!) On the other hand side not getting a pay rise at all for several years is wild as well.

It's a bit of a peculiar situation as our company is absolutely tiny and my boss and me are more like friends. I can see all our incomings in terms of money and sometimes we literally just cover costs.

I agree, do it for as long as it suits you and then when the dc is more independent you can look for something else. You’re keeping yourself employed and employable through the childcare years with minimum effort.