Working part time in a bad job or full time elsewhere?

[Cakeandslippers]

I have two young children and currently work part time. I have been with my current employer for around 5 years, initially full time but part time since I had my first baby.

My contract will soon be ending due to the nature of the work, and I am likely to offered work in another area, again this will probably be for 6 months which then gets reviewed and possibly extended as has been the case for 5 years. The work they'll offer me will probably (but not definitely) something I really dislike and the organisation has not been a great one to work for, for many reasons.

I'd love to leave but the chances of me finding work part time elsewhere are probably zero, aren't they ? I don't know what to do,

I feel so stuck. I used to be seen as 'one to watch' but I'm so far away from that now, which I'm ok with I think, but I'd like to be doing something that doesn't have such a horrible impact on my mood. If I went elsewhere I know I'd struggle to juggle full time work with the kids, plus they are both so small I would like to spend some time with them before they start nursery and school.

Anyone else felt the same way? What did you do?

I'd love to leave but the chances of me finding work part time elsewhere are probably zero They will certainly be zero if you decide not to try to find another job because you chances are probably zero. Good luck with whatever you decide to do or not do!

Go for another job elsewhere and then negotiate PT/Flexi/whatever either up front or after 6 months. More and more places are open to it.

I had my 4 days/week job turn sour. I applied for and got another job then negotiated doing it 4 days. It's been a big success. If you are a good worker and can think practically about how to make it work, you have a good chance of negotiating something to suit.

I’d definitely be in the look out for something new. I’d not go for full time as like you say you’ve got the kids and want to be spending times with them.

Start looking as you just never know 😀

Thanks everyone, sorry for the late reply - weirdly I only got a notification today that I had any responses.

I was brave last week and made a couple of calls to people I know are recruiting. Nothing positive has come of it yet but I feel so much better that I made the calls, it's a start at least. Having had 2 mat leaves close together i think my confidence level has been quite affected so just having made those calls gave me a bit of a boost!

you need somewhere that allows flexibility/part time
can you join an agency

@AbsolutelyPatsy possibly but I haven't had much luck with that approach in the past. I find in my field / sector it's mostly project work which is very short term but with expectations of lots of hours over a short period. Definitely worth reaching out though as things might have changed, especially with covid. Thanks

I have been working part time for the last 10 years. Currently in a company that is costing me a lot of stress with no career progression or support. I have decided to bite the bullet and go full time in a different company. I am worried at how it is all going to work, but with full time wfh I reckon I can make it work. Finally, I won’t be perceived as a second class employee. If I were you, I’d start looking around.