Opinions on Working Hours

[RaeCJ82]

I would really appreciate people's opinions on my situation re childcare.
I currently work 30 hours over 4 days on two shifts patterns, 08:30-17:00 and 08:45-17:15. My OH drops off our DD at nursery at 8 and I pick her up after I finish work. It takes me half an hour to get to her nursery and we often aren't home till 6.15pm.
DD has a full time nursery place and due to our circumstances we don't have anybody around us who can look after our daughter/babysit, so currently my day off is my only chance to go to appointments/clean/do the shopping etc child free. I realise though that these are long days for our DD at nursery. Just to add, I do pick her up early on my day off.
I'm thinking to change my hours to 6 hours a day over 5 days so that I can pick up DD early every day and she can have tea at home and have a bit more time with me on a daily basis but not sure if this is the way to go. What do people think please? I really could do with opinions on this. Thanks

As there is no saving in childcare for working over 4 days i would ask for 5 short days now. Once she is in school you will appreciate shorter days.

I would go for the five shorter days, OP. I think it would be easier for both of you (shorter days for her, less rushing around after work for you). Yes you lose your day off, but I think it would be more valuable to have that time spread over the week (if travel time isn't a problem). And better when she starts school too.

Don't worry about needing some time for yourself OP. You have to put yourself first sometimes.

I honestly could not be in work for 7.15 to 7.30 every day. I struggle to make it in for 8.30.

I know you have now said that your job wouldn't allow it (obviously I didn't know you were customer facing when I first suggested it), but from a logistics point of view, it is FAR easier to get up, washed dressed, and out the house to be in work for 7.15, and not have to deal with sorting the dc, than it is to be the one dealing with dc and trying to get into work for 8.30 or 8.45/ Believe me, I've done both, and felt like I was on holiday when dh started doing the mornings and I started work having only had to deal with my own needs.

Yes I think the 6 hours and more time each day sounds lovely x

I've requested to change my working hours today to 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. My manager thinks it will be absolutely fine. We've agreed 09:30 - 15:30 at the moment, which gives me extra time in the morning to get jobs done, whack the slow cooker on for tea etc and I can pick my DD up almost 2 hours earlier each day. I feel like that's a good decision for everyone. We can enjoy more coffee shop trips after nursery now. The girl loves some people watching and a babyccino!! 😊

Please remember that nursery for a child is the equivalent to an adult working. I totally understand parents have to work. But children get so tired and playing is working to them. They get far more out of being with their families. You have to do what is best for you and your child. No one knows your situation like you do. I hope you find a way to figure out what is best xx