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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Just out of interest, would you consider going back to work 4 days a week, rather than 3 days a week to secure the perfect nanny?

7 replies

fettleandbabyfettle · 04/02/2008 11:04

That's it! If you found a wonderful nanny, but one who wanted to work 4 days a week, would you consider working an extra day than you had planned to, so your children could be cared for by said wonderful nanny?

OP posts:

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flowerybeanbag · 04/02/2008 11:08

Yes. But having said that I'd do quite a lot to secure the perfect nanny at the moment, having enormous trouble even finding an imperfect one!

Squiffy · 04/02/2008 12:21

Yes, perfect nannies are like gold-dust.

Oh, and I also find that IME you are treated with more respect by your bosses too if you do 4 days because they perceive you as more committed.

NAB3wishesfor2008 · 04/02/2008 12:34

Why not work the 3 days as planned and take the 4th day as a free day for you. TBH I wouldn't work an extra day just to get a particular nanny.

Bink · 04/02/2008 12:40

What are the cost implications? Would you have to work that extra day to be able to pay her, or could you manage to pay her for 4 days on your 3-days salary?

Original poster

fettleandbabyfettle · 04/02/2008 13:25

Oh - I wish I could afford her for 4 days on 3 day salary, but I'm not even sure I can afford her for 3 days!!! But she is great!!!

Need to do some financial calculating!!

OP posts:

annh · 04/02/2008 18:46

Will you be happy working four days a week or do you really want to do three? Also, have you already negotiated three days a week with your employer - in which case, is it really possible to change without a whole renegotiation? If you are OK about working four days, then give it a go but remember the perfect nanny has a habit of getting pregnant, deciding to move to Australia, or change career - in which case you are nanny-less and with unsuitable work arrangements!

HarrietTheSpy · 04/02/2008 21:17

Be careful about that four day week. That's what I went back to initially with DD. 20% cut in pay, but childcare costs are only fractionally less than the full 5 days. Financially it was a killer and you're right - bosses do see you as more committed and I'm pretty confident you'll be doing 5 days work for 4 days. Friends who went back 3 days seemed to get a better balance - but it may depend on the individual and the job too.

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