3 days, 4 days or job share - best part time arrangement?

[bojangles]

Hi

I have been working as a locum for the last 3 months in public sector and I have an interview next week for the permanent post - I stand a v good chance of getting it and need to tell them what hours I want to work. another candidate is interested in job share but I'm not so certain as I would prefer to have my 'own' part time post. Does anyone have any views on working 3 or 4 days? How does it work for you? Or should I just be grateful that they will consider part time and be happy with just one day per week off! I am too tired to make the decision!

I job share in a law firm (admin role) - works perfectly. Two days week then three day week so exactly half pay, half holidays etc. If you jobshare you can hand over to your colleague and you're work isn't waiting for you when you get back.

How much work is there to do? Is there 3 days' worth, 4 days' worth or is it really a f/t post? If a job share on a full time basis is a possibility but you say no to that how will the remaining hours be covered instead?

How many hours or days do you ideally want to work ? It sounds like they are very flexible, lucky old you.

I know of people who job share and it has its ups and downs but it would be best if you want to do the least amount of hours and know that the work is getting done in your absence.

I work 4 days per week and advantage over working 3 days is that I definitely feel part of the office whereas with less days I think it would be harder, oh and plus more money. Downsides are less time with DS and no discernable reduction in role from f/t job description whereas if you are 3 days I think they would be hard pressed to expect you do compress a f/t job into that.

Thanks for your comments - job was originally FT but I have been working 22 hrs over 4 days for last 3 months and covering work fine. I am busy and I think what Rookiemater says is tru about feeling part of the office working 4 days. I am also a control freak and don't like the idea of someone sharing my job! I do a good job and want to take the full credit - does that make me bad!! My work head says 4 days and my Mum head says 3 days so will probably opt for 4 days and can use flexi leave to try and finish a bit early once a week to collect dd from school.

sorry should have said that I have recently increased to 28 hours over 4 days.

I initially went back 3 full days (22.5hrs) and after about a year changed to 4 long mornings (8am - 1.30pm).
I found the 4 mornings better both from a work perspective - there an extra day, more in touch etc, and from a home perspective - every afternoon with the dc rather than just tea, bath abd bed on 3 days.

Hi Cat64 - I could have written your post and it sums up how I feel. I am a lawyer and I have very high standards in the office and like being in control of my own area of work.

bojangles it sounds as though you are very self-aware and know what works best for you. I would say your instinctive solution is probably the best one for you.

And there is nothing wrong with wanting to take credit for the good work you do. Job shares can be fantastic but if you don't get exactly the right person, or even if you do, there's always that stress of having to think about what someone else is doing and the lack of control over your own job. If you are comfortable that you can do the work without that option I'd probably do that.