I will be returning to work in January and had requested a p/t working pattern of 9-1 Mon-Fri but this was rejected by my manager. Instead I was offered Mon-Fri 11.15-3.30 as I was told this would be the most efficient use of my hours if I was to return p/t as these are the most popular slots with our client base.
On the one hand, it means I'm not rushing like a crazy loon in the morning and I have time with my DD in the afternoon/evening. On the other hand, it's likely I will have difficulty finding childminders or nannies who would work 10-4.30 (taking into account travel time to/from work) and may need to pay for a full days rate. Plus I'll miss out on taking my DD to all the toddler groups. Has anyone else worked similar hours and what did you think about the work-life-financial balance? Should I try to negotiate working, say, 2 mornings or 1 morning and 1 afternoon a week with the other 3 days being 11.15-3.30 or will that make childcare more difficult (assuming my employers actually agree to any of my proposals).
Oh, and another thing- working 11.15-3.30 means I miss out on in house staff training which takes place weekly or fortnightly between 9.15-10.45. Do I have grounds to ask for 1 morning a week so I can participate in training or should requests for flexible working only centre around childcare needs? Thanks!