When DS was one, I was made redundant, right at the start of Covid. I found another job in a new sector, and have been doing 3 days a week, 7 hours a day, for almost 2 years. DS is now 3 (school in 2023).
My issue is that I really, really struggle with my 2 days off. DS is exhausting. Lovely, generally sleeps (although randomly gets up at 4 every couple of weeks or so), but is on the go 7am-8pm with no nap. He needs walking for miles to tire him out. Covid has Not Helped.
I'm considering putting him in nursery 4 days a week rather than 3 now he is funded.
Pros - I will be happier, less frazzled. Approx £200 more a month after nursery cost plus higher pension contribs. Probably get my exams done quicker. Boss has asked a couple of times if I will be able to do more hours next year.
Cons - 4 days to cover between us if he is ill. Higher childcare bill so "only" £200 gain. Possible regret if he morphs into a calm 4 year old before he starts school. Mum guilt that I would rather be at work when so many mums would kill to work 3 days a week.
DH used to cover the third day by compressed hours when he was 1 to 2, but it didn't work very well as it just meant I had more to juggle into the evenings on the 4 days he worked, so we'd prefer him to stick to 9-5. He already WFH flexi-time but ultimately the job is both new and is 35 hours a week with core hours.
I really can't decide what to do. He likes nursery but ultimately he'd rather be at home an extra day. It feels selfish to send him an extra day when we don't need the money but I am resigning myself to 18 months of feeling a bit low for half the week if not.