8-4 or 4 day week

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I am going back to work. Have 2dcs, 12 months and 3. I am sure my work will refuse any flexibility, but hey ho am going to ask anyway.
For any working parents, do you think 8-4 is better than working one less day a week. I'm thinking about the future when they are at school, finishing at 4 would allow me time to help with homework etc.
As money is tight I also though 8-4 still makes me seem credible for future promotion etc.
Any thoughts, experiences?

I work 8-4. We miss most of the rush hour traffic & (luckily) I can be home in 15-20 minutes. DS is now nearly 8 and I've been promoted twice in that time. Plus the money is very helpful!

Can your job be done in just 4 days?

Way before I had my kids I did a stint working a four day week. I was miserable - tired all the time and stressing about the early starts.

I was so happy so go back to 8-4.

I now have children and am in a different profession. I like that we all leave the house in the morning and all come home in the evening.

Thank you so much for responses. I did think 8-4 may be better. You've convinced me!

I really do hope work will let this happen.

On a side, as FT mums how do you meet other FT mums? I'm finding it very hard to meet other mums and am fed up of the snide remarks and looking down noses I am getting from mums that don't work FT. I am working FT as can not afford to reduce hours, that's to meet mortgage, food and expenses, not to live an extravagant and 'designer' lifestyle like some seem to think ;)

I only really have old friends, work friends and neighbours.

I am friendly with dd's friends' parents and when ds reaches that age I guess I'll friendly with his friends' parents too.

Generally I am kept busy with work and family and that suits me.

Thanks Yama, that sounds like my outlook too. Just sometimes would like one or two FT working friends who know the pressures. I live many miles from where I grew up so not got this close by.

I am a full time working mum, also not living a champagne lifestyle! I just see my existing friends really, some of whom work full time. I hope when DD has friends I will get to know their parents (she's only 18mo).

8-4 sounds good if you can do your job in that time. I do about 8.30-4 and one day 8.30-1, and I usually bring some work home. It works well for us. I think finishing a bit earlier makes a big difference, especially when toddlers who are tired by tea time.