3 or 4 days PT?

[galonthefarm]

I have already gone back to work 3 days a week (Monday, Thursday, Friday - random days I know but they were the only days the nursery had!).

Have been back a couple of months now, all going well, actually enjoying it and feeling like me again. Work have now asked me to go back 4 days a week and I am in a quandary.. They originally asked for FT but I know I don't want to do that as DD is only 14 months old. My mum has offered to have DD for the extra day so financially we would be better off but I worry that I will miss out on the extra day spent with DD.

Has anyone got any experience of working 3 and 4 days a week at different times? OR any tips to help the decision making?

I work 3 days a week (have always worked full time previously or not at all!) and have a 19 month old (my youngest DD).

I have also been back 2 months and I have to say it's ok, it's a good work life balance although a compromise work wise. I always vowed I would never work 4 days as it does seem, from observing my colleagues who do it, that they do full time jobs. However, if your mum is covering it, I would try it for a while - at least you get an extra day a week with DD. Once your DD is 3 and you get the extra funding, you might also find you are more "ready" to go full time...

Not sure that helped, but I have had similar thoughts!!

Do you need the extra money? Can you see a benefit of your Mum caring for DD one day a week? Will you benefit professionally? Could you do it for a trial period?

I work 3 or 4 days a week (complicated situation) and it works quite well.

When I did a long stretch of 4 day weeks I found I was of course much more productive and I do struggle a bit when I'm only doing 3 day weeks. As cat says 4 days is nearly full time whereas 3 days is very much part time.

I'd say that unless you really see advantages to 4 days a week then stick to 3 for as long as you can. Your time with your DD is so precious.

As emy says, I think you will feel it when the time is right to go back 4 days a week.

Thanks for the replies everyone. We can just about get by at the moment but the extra money would be great to pay off some debt quicker.

I would definitely benefit professionally but am not sure about a trial period. It is for a specific new client so if I decided a month down the line I didn't like it. I don't think they'd like it very much! I am back at work on thursday so will chat to my boss then. If I can negotiate more than "pro rata" and a promotion then I would be in a good place professionally!