Any CM planning a rethink post lockdown?

[phoebemcpeepee]

Having this time at home with my family has really given me some breathing space to take stock and have a rethink about my job going forward.
I've realised that whilst I'm at home, I'm not actually there for my Dc - they are 11&14 so relatively self-sufficient now but this means they tend to come in from school, say hello then head upstairs on a screen until everyone's gone and I've cleared up. I need / want more time for my dc and wondering whether I can try and reduce my hours so I finish a bit earlier (6 or even 5:30 instead of 6:30pm) Some families finish at 5:30 but 2 parents finish at 5:30/6pm and then have journey time so couldn't do an earlier pickup without changing work hours and unfortunately these are both sibling pairs so if they leave I'm potentially losing 2 EYFS and 2 school age which I can't afford.

Has anyone done this and how did you position it with parents - ie this is happening or, any chance you can reduce (and risk them saying no)? I've also decided to drop to 4 days but that's easier as I only have 3 children on Friday and 2 start school in September and there is always space at after school club for a Friday.

I'm also starting to plan my exit strategy but that is slightly longer term (2021) as now my dc are getting older I'm starting to feel like getting back into the workplace (whatever that may be!) would be better for us as a family and my own sanity.

Anyone else feeling like this?

I’m not working at the moment as the children are being looked after at home and I’m grateful as ds is needing a lot of support with schooling. Just before closing Ofsted had contacted me to arrange (a long due) inspection that has now been put off until safe to return. The children will have changed so much & may be emotional due to the disruption caused by the lockdown so I’m concerned about being judged in unusual circumstances. I also know that I will be expected to show how I’ve been in contact with families and continued the children’s home learning. I’m not being paid, I may get some government money some time in late June & I’ve read the vitriolic comments on here from parents about their childminder which is making me rethink returning to childminding.

Yes I am evaluating I plan on closing at 5.30 now not 6, I only work 3 days a week and will go back into childminding short term as I don’t think there will be many jobs out there coming up but plan on giving up by end of 2021 and getting a more stable job and income.

@fishfingersfortea you're not wrong about reading numerous parents comments being a real eye-opener - it's (rightly or wrongly) helped me revaluate my priorities and family comes before work and even though I see the no fees as my extended family, I actually don't think families see it the same way.

i am working on getting something else. Hard in this climate but realised I work for less an hour than so many minimum paid jobs and for much less security (as this pandemic has shown).

I have been doing a four day week for a few years now and it has definitely improved the way I view my job. Since last summer all my eyfs dc have gone by 4, so it’s only been after schoolers which has made a massive difference too. I’m able to tidy up all the toys and so by 5 when they go, I’m done. I also turn down late finishes and had an empty place for a couple of months waiting for The perfect Hours. It’s been a complete game changer for me. Shorter days, a 4 day week and a term time only child. Less pay, but definitely a better work/life balance.