F/T or not

[Megan74]

I work PT - 30 hours a week with 3 normal days followed by leaving early enough for the school run on a Thursday and make the hours up on Friday at home (normally 2-3 hours). DH works FT and does the school drop off once a week at normal time and all 4 drop offs to breakfast club. I pick up from after school club 3 times a week and at normal times twice a week. All works well for DCs in Yr 1 and Yr 3.

I have been at the company for a few years and to be honest it is an admin role which could either be dead end or lead to something more career based. I want a career rather than a job. For various reasons I don't believe I would be able to do this so easily working the current hours.

Just as a background, I was not in this industry before children so I don't have the proven history that many of my friends have who manage careers working part time.

I don't know. Maybe I am over thinking this. I know my boss would welcome me working full time and I know it would better my career. I suppose I fear I will lose my work-life balance?

Ooh tricky. I am at your hours I must say. I work on a full time or nothing type of job so have always worked full time. I know what you mean about the career suicide side of working part time. If it were me I would go for it as you are not that far off it. I suspect you are doing more hours than you are contracted for anyway aren't you?! Tends to happen with 4 days I think. It sound like they would be flexible so maybe request to collect the children from school twice a week but log back on once home. Is that possible?

Its not forever. Why not give it a try? Give it a year of f/t work Get yourself a personal coach to make sure you make the absolute most of it, and can really kick-start. See where it is heading, and then decide again.

It might very well be you try it, and your career-options don't go anywhere after all. Well, then at least you will not sit there in a few years time, look back and think: if only I had tried. Give it your all!

I wouldn't. That sounds like a great work life balance at the moment.
Would the opportunity to move to the better role still be there in a few years time ? It's difficult when you are never able to go to the school, say hello to your childrens friends, and their parents, etc. Obviously do-able as so many do, but nicer to have the balance you do.