Should I be super grateful or try to change it?

[yellowsunflowers]

Hello,
I?d really appreciate some advice/opinions?

I have 2 children under the age of 5 and I work 4 days per week (28 hours). Prior to having children this was a full time role. My working pattern is:

• Work 2 days from home
• Work 2 days in the office ? a 1h 15m commute each way (non-negotiable)
• On the days I work from home, I?m allowed to finish at 3pm (to pick my children up) as long as I make up the 2 hours that evening (usually 8-10pm)
• I line manage people and my job is very demanding

Given the recession, part of me feels incredibly lucky I have a job and also that I?m able to fit it round my children. Another part of me thinks it?s incredibly full on and I?d really like to make my life less stressful, but what other working pattern could I ask for in this role (e.g. job share?). Or should I be looking for a new part time job?

I have my annual appraisal soon and my working pattern will be a key discussion point, so I?d really like to hear views on whether I should be counting my lucky stars; whether there is a better way to work my 28 hours; or if I should look for a new job altogether.

Thanks so much!

Hmm sorry I'm in the be happy you have a job camp, I would love to change things about my stressful role but no way right now.

Don't think you will find much better than that Tbh

Unless you're actually unhappy with the actual Job and want a career change, then I'd stick with what you have. As others have said, I don't think it could get much better. Also I'm not sure a job share would be appropriate as the job seems to be 28 hours a week only? You havent mentioned anyone working the 5th day so it sounds like a part time role

Do you honestly think you'd find better hours? You're really in for a shock if so.

I would kill for that amount of flexibility

My commute is what makes my life stressful as its an hour each way

I work FT and only one of those days is from homr

Keep the job, sounds good to me if you enjoy it. The time split sounds pretty good to me

You've already got really great flexibility.

Super-grateful is the position to take. You will appreciate it even more once children are at school and you see the hoops other parents have to go through to keep all the balls in the air.

I wonder if it migh be easier to finish at 5 and not do the evening work as that must be tiring on top to 2 days long commute -why don't you look around and see what is aviable nearer as I can imagine that might be the reall problem