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Anyone taking a step down at work when DC started school?

28 replies

generallyokay · 04/04/2024 18:11

I'm having a few issues at work, mainly team dynamics and it's becoming stressful for me.

I know lots of mums take a step back when they have children, maybe become a SAHP for a few years or go part-time when previously full-time.

But has anyone gone even more part-time when their children started school?

I am feeling like I want to be more present for my 4 year old, and I don't want them in breakfast and after school as much as they'd have to go with my current working days (4 full days).

Would anyone recommend working school hours or shorter days?

OP posts:
WorkCleanRepeat · 16/09/2025 23:00

I took a less senior role and cut my hours when the kids went to school. Im bored senseless and cant wait for them to go to secondary school so I can change my job again.

Foragingfox · 17/09/2025 07:16

Glad to hear that @Labraradabrador - agree it’s absolutely possible to avoid it with some thought,
remaining visible and depending on specific factors.

Liveafr · 17/09/2025 11:35

dreamfield · 04/04/2024 19:55

Do you have in mind the particular role and employer you have in mind? Does it exist? Because that's quite the wish list.

How long are you thinking to do this and what's your exit strategy? As in, would you be able to step back up or would you have to start over?

Speaking from experience of stepping down responsibilities-wise, don't underestimate how stressful and demoralising it can be to lose the level of autonomy or status you had before - even if they're things you don't currently notice. Once you lose them, you will.

Not being challenged can also be stressful, albeit in a different way to being stretched.

Totally agree. I had to go through a career change when my kid was 1 and had to start at junior level in a different industry, it was utterly depressing, though I got promoted quickly. Being unhappy at work impacted my home life too.
On a side note, my career change allowed me to eventually find a job much near my home (just 20 minutes cycling), which was great for work/ live balance and allowed me to be more present without impacting my income.

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