take a demotion to work 3 day week?

[Boboli]

I have an 18 month old and baby on the way (due May). I am lucky to have a professional job which I do 4 days a week. It involves a bit of commute which can be exhausting but the balance works ok as my hubby is a teacher and able to be there at both ends of the day.

My job is soon to be redundant but I have the choice of taking a demotion to work a 3 day week, based more locally OR a new job/ different field based in London which will be good for my career.

I'm torn - part of me craves more time at home enjoying my family and less stress + giving a bit of relief to hubby. Another part would find it hard to go backwards as have worked v hard to be where I am + when children older, I'd wouldn't want to have to fight to get back to where I am now.

Has anyone else been in similar position? Any advice out there?! I know I'm really lucky to have a choice esp in current job climate....

Hiya iam not there yet but I think it is coming so it is something I have been giving a lot of thought to. I think only you can make the decision but I guess it is about priorities for now, what is most important to you right now?

Also, I think also consider the future. Taking a demotion now doesn't mean other jobs won't come up in the future and you have your experience to-date to count in your favour. Also, will you feel guilty if you don't take this "opportunity" now to spend time with your family, time that you wont get back?

I am saying all this but from my own point of view I know this is easier said than done, when you have worked hard to get to where you are, it feels unfair that you even have to make this kind of decision.

Maybe think about how you would advise your friend if they wwere in the same situation?

Not sure this has been any help at all, but just didn't want you to feel you ar alone on this one.

What profession are you in?

X

I took a voluntary demotion 6 months ago as DH works long hours and often weekends. I did reduced hours but my job was stressful and at my level there was an expectation that the job would get done regardless of the hours so I would end up logging in in the evening and suffering dreadful anxiety as I just couldn't cope with doing it all.

Now things are a lot better, I go in do a good job and go home again. I don't have the same decision making requirements as before ( although at the minute am trying to make sure this is the case as someone keeps trying to make me manage stuff when I have taken a huge pay drop not to) and I am a lot happier at home. I am able to pick DS up from day nursery 3 days a week at 3 o clock and it means he can have play dates with his friends. I also have time to myself one day a week and means I can catch up with chores, go to the gym and just mooch for a bit.

That's my decision and it has worked well for me. I don't worry about the future because at the time I made the choice it was , for me, either that or resigning.

Of course your circumstances may be different, but to me it seems like a good way to enjoy your children when they are young and to keep going professionally.