Work advice

[Katyx3]

My brain just will not stop! 😂
I currently work in healthcare 50 hour weeks long hours manual work....
I do love my job (most of the time!)
But I’m now thinking of the future wondering if it will still be suitable with a little one to care for.
My OH (other half) works 45-50 hours also and only has one day off, I’m worried we won’t see poor baby, this is our first!
This morning I’ve even considered a total job change (I know primark are accommodating with hours eg 9-3 mon-Friday!)
Should I stop panicking? Am I over thinking? Would it be wise to act now? And go back to my normal line of work when baby is in full time school??
pulls hair out 🤪

How far along are you? Don't give up a long continuous service for a part time job too early on your pregnancy, imo.

You would be reducing the amount of contractual maternity pay you'll get. of there is a restructure while you're off, you could consider tanking redundancy, of that's an option etc. If you fall pregnant again relatively quickly, if in your plans or sometimes even if not!, then you can try to work going back for the qualifying period only and getting a second round of contractual pay from them. I imagine Primark have a high turn over rate and so you could probably get another job with them when you're ready to return, relatively easily.

You could try a career break for a while, keeping your options open for another year or so after maternity even.

If you are pregnant now you wouldn't qualify for stat or contractual mat pay via your job.

Who gets paid more between you and your partner? Could they take shared parental leave/ career break etc.

Also check your work policy as you may be able to start your maternity leave earlier than you'd otherwise consider

Thanks I totally agree with what you are saying.
This is a new job I started in October so not entitled to anything, been in the same line of work for years but new to this company. It's also private company so zero hour contract.
Thanks again x

Oh and I'm only 14 weeks, just trying to be organised! He earns more, I don't earn a great hourly rate hence the amount of hours I do x

Ah, I see. It does change things. If you are going to be:
1.earning the same, or not dramatically less
2.working less hours
3.not doing long term career any damage
4.not affecting your entitlements to maternity pay
5.not going to decrease your job satisfaction

And think you'll get a better work/life balance in the grand scheme of things, seems a positive decision.

However, for job security I would recommend trying to find a position which is contracted which will afford you certain employment benefits, rather than 0 hours. They rarely benefit anyone other than the CEO and board tbh.