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Original poster

Working pattern

16 replies

mac1974 · 02/04/2023 10:06

I'm currently applying for a job which is work from home 37.5 hours a week. It's very flexible so I can do the hours to suit & it will allow me to do the school run. Meaning I could take my eldest to high school & save her getting the bus then drop my youngest off & collect her afterwards.
I currently work as a childminder so I can take my youngest to school & I work 4 long days and have a Friday off.
So, daft question, if I was successful in the new job, what would be a good way to work doing the hours?
I was thinking mon-fri
6.30-7.30am
9am - 3pm
4-5pm (I suppose this last hour of the day could be anytime...maybe 6-7 after DH is home)

Has anyone got a routine they could share?

OP posts:
swanling · 02/04/2023 10:13

What kind of work is it? Would there be enough time to complete anything meaningful in an hour? Or would you be doing part of a task then spending time later reminding yourself where you got to?

Do you need to collaborate with other employees for any of the work?

cocksstrideintheevening · 02/04/2023 10:20

I wouldn't like the day to be so broken up, I guess it depends what it is.

Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 10:22

It's project management. To be honest the job info is quite vague.
Yes valid point about the hour I was wondering if that could be used to reply to any emails that have come in over night & that sort of thing.

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Invisimamma · 02/04/2023 10:22

It depends on the type of work. The hours you've suggested wouldn't work for me. I'd need to work in block of at least 2.5hours, but two blocks of 4 hours would be best. It gives you enough time to concentrate and really delve into a task and also plan your time across the week. There's not much I could achieve regularly in a 1 hour slot of working.

wincywincyspider · 02/04/2023 10:33

Depends if there are core hours as well. At my place it's 10-4, so your gap at 3-4 wouldn't be possible.

BadlydoneHelen · 02/04/2023 10:35

I would pay for after school club for the youngest and work 9-4 then go and pick them up. Presumably the child at high school could make their own way home and then once all back home your time is free.

Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 10:39

@BadlydoneHelen yes that's the conclusion I'm coming to.

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MaverickSnoopy · 02/04/2023 10:43

I don't think it's a question you can answer until you actually do the job. I do think that you might come to resent the 6.30am start, but worth a shot and if they're flexible then you could just change that. Personally I would arrange an after school club so you have a consistent block of time. Getting back into it for an hour might be meaningless.

Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 10:44

The sticking point at the moment is I don't pay childcare as I can collect my own child (along with other peoples) and in the hols they come out with me too. Although I'm really interested in the role it's definitely something I need to take into account.

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Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 10:45

Yes I think your right @MaverickSnoopy
I think I'll apply & find out more then can at least be more informed.

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tribpot · 02/04/2023 10:50

I can't see how project management can be infinitely flexible, as a lot of your time will be meeting with other people, so needs to be around their availability too. That said, as you're available 9-3, that should be workable (although I agree about the issue of core hours as @wincywincyspider says).

The shorter periods of work might be possible if you will have a lot of emails to deal with - a one hour focused session on email first thing could work well, depending on the nature of the projects and what time zone the project members are in compared to you.

Invisimamma · 02/04/2023 12:28

Do you have previous experience as a project manager or project officer? It's not usually a job you can just walk into without experience. I mean this kindly, as I work in this area and many people seem to think they can walk into PM jobs as they 'really organised and good at planning.' It's much more than that.

wincywincyspider · 02/04/2023 12:32

Invisimamma · 02/04/2023 12:28

Do you have previous experience as a project manager or project officer? It's not usually a job you can just walk into without experience. I mean this kindly, as I work in this area and many people seem to think they can walk into PM jobs as they 'really organised and good at planning.' It's much more than that.

Agree with this. I think from those who haven't worked as, or worked with project managers it can sometimes be seen as a woolly job title. People associate it with just being a planner or organiser.

Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 15:21

Yes I was a PM in a previous role. It's something I've always wanted to go back to.

OP posts:
BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 02/04/2023 15:27

I'd leave the secondary school dc do their own travel to and from school. How many years til the younger can walk themselves to primary? Mine it's year 5.

I'd probably see if you can do breakfast club drop off 8am, home and logged on for 8.15. Then log off at 3 to do the pick up, then if they are old enough to entertain themselves, online 3.30- 4.30. Job done.

Alternatively, stay offline from 3, then two nights a week log back on 6-8pm when dh home.

Original poster
mac1974 · 02/04/2023 16:09

@BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz she's year 3 at the moment so a bit young to do the walk herself.
Thanks for all your input.

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