4 days or 3?

[Bess17]

I'm returning to work after nearly 3 years off with dd (6) and ds (4). My youngest starts school in September and I've been lucky enough to secure a job offer. I applied for a 3 day maternity post (term time only) which I've been offered but they also said a f/t had come up which they were willing to offer me, 80% of a f/t post (4 days) on a permanent basis. I'm slightly swayed by the offer of a permanent post but slightly worried that I'll be doing a f/t post in 4 days and I'm also worried about the kids being in afterschool care for 4 days, espeacially my youngest who will be in reception. The pay isn't amazing as it's a public sector job so I wouldn't be paying tax on a 3 day week but would for a 4. Really torn on what's for the best really. My dh earns a wage that gets us by but we have had to be frugal over the last couple of years on his income alone. Would be grateful for people's thoughts on this.

I’d go with a three day term time contract in a heartbeat!
Especially if your DH earns enough to pay the bills etc. Once you are there a permanent contract may come available. I would take the risk.
But it depends how you would feel if your contract wasn’t renewed and how you would manage if you were between jobs?

Thanks for your response Yerp. I think your absolutely right and that's what my gut was telling me. Ive gone for the 4 days though as it turned out that I'd be paying for more after school care with 3 days as they would be long days. They're willing to offer some flexibility in school hours for 4 days so thought that was fair. 3 days would have been sooooo nice though and was willing to take the risk if they hadn't been flexible with my hours.

That sounds like a really good outcome then
Flexible hours and a permanent contract and extra pay. Win win. Well done you

Thanks Yerp 😊 Really appreciate your input.