Anyone do 4 days in an office?

[fairyteapot]

Going back to work in a few weeks - first 'proper' job in ages; they say they'll be flexible, but that initially I must do 4 days in the office (and one from home). After a few months I should be able to do 3 in the office and 2 from home.

I'm sick to the stomach at the thought of 4 days in the office away from my 3 DSs. Shall I do a 'split' week? i.e. Monday Tuesday Thursday Friday in the office, so that I'm not away for more than 2 days? Anyone do 4 days and cope ok? It's the emotional wrench that concerns me - not worried about washing etc. Many thanks!

are they young? i like working in an office away from the kids again, it's much more peaceful

Fairyteapot if you are the same poster as the banker / lawyer thread OP and this is a dealbreaker issue for you then I think you need to take the PSL role for now, unless there is already someone in the team at the bank who works flexibly in this way?

Thanks Sequins; it may be a dealbreaker - the IB say 'don't worry about flexibility, we'll work something out' but I don't quite trust them! They've said I have to do 4 initially, but after a period (unspecified) I could do 3. Feel like I'm at a huge crossroads - career first or kids first and of course it's no contest. Agency says I shouldn't reject it on the basis of the 4 day thing as that will change - but it's a US IB!!!!

PSL may still be the better option - I really liked the partners too when I met them. Seems to be a v. forward looking firm in terms of women also.

Nikkershaw - agree that peace and quiet makes a nice change - and know I'd get loads done in an office, it's just the 4 day thing!

Many thanks all.

i do mon/tues and thurs/fri in an office and it works really well for me. DD (14 mo) and i have great fun on wednesdays and then i get to go back to being a grown up for the rest of the week, but it doesn't feel like i'm leaving her for too long. Plus the nanny (who we share with another baby the same age) gets a break mid-week, so she's not exhausted by half way through the week.

good luck - you'll be back in the swing of it in no time :)

Thanks FSB - made me feel better about it. It's a great opportunity and DH worried about redundancy so have to do it. Like the idea of Wednesday at home - had considered this as agree will feel less of a wrench as only away for 2 days at a time. No long weekends, but probably a better balance I reckon.

Thanks!

Hi
I work 4 days in an office, albeit not full days - approx 6 hours. I also work Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and have Wednesdays off. Works well for me because I feel like I have a mini weekend half way through the week and gives me a chance to catch up on things that slip on work days.
Good luck with whatever you decide,

MLx