Have you ever regretted dropping days even when financial impact not a factor?

[DrNow]

I’ll try to keep this brief. I’m 40, female, married, no children. I have a well paid but stressful job. Husband is also well paid but I earn marginally more.

Living situation is that we own our home outright. Have savings etc. and good pensions, no debt.

My employer has introduced a range of flexible working options which means that I could drop down to part time. I’m considering a four day week. Financially, I can take the hit and I already pay AVCs on my pension but can up those to make up for a shortfall. DH is supportive.

Another option would be to continue on 5 days a week but only work 40 weeks a year so could take extended leave throughout the year which would allow me to travel more.

I have a niggle at the back of my head saying that I’m only 40 and able to work full time so I really should- make hay while the sun shines etc.

Just wondering if anyone has dropped a day/days and had any regrets (other than the income drop)?

In my shoes, which would you go for- 4 day week, or 5 days x 40 weeks?

I do 5 days work for 4 days pay. Will you be the same? I am a senior manager in a professional role.

I would be very very careful of this. I know a number of people who've ended up in this situation.
Unless it's a restructuring and the job is changing I'd always recommend dropping to 3 days as then the employer has to find someone for the hours you're dropping

My friend dropped a day only to find they spread her remaining hours over five days and they would not give her the old hours back . She would have been better off sticking to het old hours and employing a cleaner.

Do it, enjoy it while your fit and able x

Sorry to be that person but it is very bad manners to correct people publicly in this manner. Use a DM if you feel it really necessary (it isn't).

I love it. I work term time, 4 days a week and I'm 43.

It means my weekends are relaxing as I do all my chores and the majority of the washing and sorting stuff out on a Monday

I wouldn't have it any other way

@bergamotorange Personally, I’d rather be told (especially on an anonymous forum) than go around saying “rest bite” all my life. Whereas you’d rather monitor a forum and tell people off, as if you’re the internet police shrug everyone’s different.

@bergamotorange totally agree. I find the correcting of grammar/spelling on Mumsnet so childish and passive aggressive. It needs to stop. Not everyone is educated to the same level and in addition, many people are using English as their second language.

Members of my own family are dyslexic, and this sort of thing would put them off contributing on a public forum.

In answer to the OP's question, I would snap their hand off for the 40 week a year option! Enjoy 😉

I dropped to PT 12 years ago when having DD. Increased back up to 4 days now but whilst the cash would come in handy I only do 3.5 hours less than the full timers so I'd rather have my day off.

My job isn't important or big earning though
I'm
50 now and don't plan going back FT I love the freedom of a day off when kids are in school and DH is working

Is another option to stay as you are, get as much as you can into your pension, and retire at 50?
I'm 55 and would love to drop hours or take sabbaticals but unfortunately still have a large chunk of mortgage to pay off so I'm focusing on that and the pension in the hope of getting out completely by 60.
In your shoes I'd probably go with the 40 weeks.