Has anyone found full time too much?

[Halfpint2017]

I have been working full time for the past 18 months, it wasn't an easy decision but it was a unique opportunity for a job that I should love. However, I am finding it tough being full time as my husband works away a lot and I think I would be better cutting my hours. The only thing is my work is very short staffed and I feel guilty asking just now but I don't think I can go on with the full time for much longer. Partly its draining as I feel I am being spread too thin at work (can't be helped lack of staff) and just finding I don't do enough with my children as my time at home spent catching up on all the house work shopping other boring things etc.

How would you go about speaking to your boss especially if they are already short staffed? I think I just need to man up!

I'd have though the overwhelming majority of parents find FT working to be a bit much, if they are also managing the home and trying to be the best parent they can.
I would just be open and honest. Explain that you just don't feel you can manage everything and don't want to let them down by underperforming or by ending up going off sick, so have decided the best thing for everyone is for you to go 3 (or whatever) good quality days at work each week and to take the hit on the money.
Them being short staffed isn't your issue.

Yes FT is tough for all Mums I imagine. I think I'm slightly annoyed at myself as at the time I was all it's fine, I don't mind, I'll manage etc. but it's not straight forward at all and now I will need to eat humble pie.

I honestly think I would be far more efficient too if I worked less hours. Every day when it hits 4pm my brain switches off and the last hour is just wasted. -_-

”Them being short staffed isn't your issue.”

If she wants to persuade them to let her cut her hours it is a bit her issue!!

OP usually the best way of getting a flexible working request agreed is to give the employer a bit of a business case as to why it would be good for them. You’re going to struggle a bit doing that, but all you can do is point out the plus side for them as far as possible and see what they say.

Flowery, yes I agree although it’s my company’s issue at the same time it will be a hard case to put forward. I am going to have to think about what to say very carefully.

Could you try to do compressed hours, with slightly longer days on the days you will be at work, then you could mention in your business case that you are trying to compromise by giving them more hours.

Would they contemplate a job share so you and another employee with DC can both benefit from fewer hours but not impact significantly on the coverage of staff. It would include an overlap day midweek which I've seen work very well.

Also, you could mention the possibility of an x week trial run, to demonstrate whatever solution you end up with actually works for their business.