Considering taking the £ loss for more family time, AIBU?

[sodoffbeforemycupofcoff]

I am a single mother and I work full time my children are young and so spending time with them is my number 1 priority. I had to take a full time job where I start early and finish late. I somehow made it work, but it was never going to be permanent.
it upsets me leaving my kids each morning knowing I’m going a full day without them.
I have been looking at part time roles to change to so I can be there for my kids to drop off at school and collect from school and be more of a mother than an employee. It’s extremely important to me but the catch is my disposable income will be around £900 rather than what it is currently £1,400. It’s a big pay cut and I wonder will I be able to live off that. I know I will find a way and my time is more important it’s just a scary decision to make.
£900 spare sounds a lot but this is to clothe 3 people and take the kids out on days out. I have calculated the disposable income and it is what is left after I deduct money for bills and food and rent. I have a little savings for a rainy day but I begrudge spending this until I really need to.
I suppose I’m just looking for some motivation and kind words here…. I’m not sure!

Is there any way you could do something like compressed hours so that you have more time off but don’t loose the income? £500 is a lot of money to loose each month especially as kids get more expensive the older they get.

I wouldn't find it too much of a stretch but I don't know how you live. Why don't you try strictly living on the reduced income for 6 months (and increase your savings pot) and see if it is possible for you?
Life is short and childhood is even shorter, the key is to find a compromise that works for your family. There is no one size fits all.
I will say, after suddenly losing my husband in his 50s, that I am incredibly grateful that we prioritised time with the children and time together over "extra" income and things.

Have you discussed with your current employer reducing your hours?
Where does the £500 currently go?

I am qualified in the beauty industry and was thinking to build up a clientele on my spare time when the children are at school for extra income. Nothing massive just one or two clients a day.

Yes I have discussed this and honestly the extra money goes on toys, extra clothes, days out and B&M! Nothing important.

however I have promised myself that while I am still fully time I’m going to put that extra money into my savings to get used to my means

(the outcome at work was that they don’t and won’t offer reduced hours)

This is my point exactly. I am so sorry for your loss I couldn’t imagine how devastating that would have been.
my priorities are my children and time with them. I want them coming home to a nice home cooked meal in the table feeling warm and safe and loved in our home. Not breakfast club, after school club/their nana and grandads and some food warmed up that mum cooked the evening before. I’d take the £500 loss and just provide all my extra disposable income toward my children’s needs if I have to. I agree that life is very short. Too short to chase money over memories.

I would prioritise financial stability and just make sure weekends are extra special and fun with lots of activities you couldn’t afford if you took the pay cut.

They’re at school all day anyway and kids don’t care if the dinner was cooked the day before. What really gets done anyway between 3:30 and 5:30 at home which is groundbreaking?

I’m a single mother of young kids working full time too and my kids are in breakfast club/after school every day but they love it there, have loads of friends there and do loads of activities so I just focus on work in the week and then make weekends extra special

I think it's tricky because it is a drop in income. But children are only young for quite a short period of time, and you could review again when they are older. Teenagers are really expensive.

I would and did take the pay cut. Carry on as you are and you could well burn out and unable to work at all. Plus being time poor often leads to buying in help (takeaways over cooking etc).

You’re a single parent, you rent, I wouldn’t do this. If they’re in school what difference is it really making in the scheme of things.

I think the idea of building up clients is a great idea @sodoffbeforemycupofcoff. That way you don’t necessarily have to have such a big drop in income. Saving the £500 for the next six months is also a great idea. Not only will it give you savings but also allow you to see where you will need to cut back. I totally agree family time is very important and that the kids won’t be young forever sadly however so is income and life isint getting any cheaper. You need to keep
your options open and building up clients is a perfect way to do that.