At the moment I work four short days a week, Monday to Thursday 8:45am until 4:45pm (work allow me to tag my lunch on at the end of the day so I actually finish at 4:00pm). It works quite well as I can do the school drop off and use minimal after school childcare.
I have been asked by my employer if I would consider changing to three longer days of 8:20am until 6:00pm (they would still allow me to tag lunch on at the end, so I would really finish at 5:15pm) once a month I would need to work until 6pm, this will always be a Monday. I’ll continue working at home apart from one day per month, my sons school is a 10/15 minute walk away (0.7m), so he would be in wrap around care until 5:30ish on those days rather than 4:15ish.
The days I’m being offered are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.
I’m not sure what to do as there are pros and cons to each.
Pros
Two days at home to myself
No wrap around care needed two days a week
Tuesday is my in the week rugby training in the evening, so that day wouldn’t be as hectic
Cons
Longer wrap around care three days a week
Slightly less time with my son on those three days
Wrap around care days aren’t consecutive
I was only approached by my line manager and HR yesterday, however today I was also told that three days would be preferable regarding a job share with a member of staff who is due to return from maternity leave soon. if I remain on four days she would work one full day per week and short days until 6pm on her other working days. Information that I shouldn’t have been given.
I know the above is a huge random ramble, if it was you what would you be more inclined to go for?