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Job shares - please help me get one!

2 replies

fieldmouse231 · 07/03/2026 09:25

I currently work full time in a middle management role. I’ve recently returned to work after parental leave. We’re about to start TTC our second (aware it could take ages and also that it’s if not when!).

My work are flexible and supportive, I can work from home 3 days per week and get away with more if needed eg baby is sick (within reason).

I want to spend more time with my baby, and especially if another one comes along, so thinking ahead about work after a potential second mat leave.

Realistically, I don’t think my job can be done less than four days a week - it requires daily touch points and last minute changes. I think it would not be great for the business and also be very stressful for me to try and do it in three days per week, even if some responsibilities were given elsewhere.

I think that a job share would be my best chance of keeping what is a well paid, fulfilling job, whilst also having plenty of time with my family. It’s more about keeping my hand in for the long term and getting some child free time than needing the money right now.

My ask is:

Any advice about job shares in general?

How to make a good case to my employer to move from full time to a job share?

How to find the right job share partner (possibly the person who did my mat cover last time might be interested and good I think, they also have kids and interested in part time, but that’s a long shot still)?

When to talk to work - ideally I’d like full time maternity pay and then return to the job share…

Any thoughts/advice/questions welcome. Thank you!

OP posts:
LadyLapsang · 07/03/2026 14:31

I would be surprised if anyone would be interested in a job share with someone who is about to be absent for up to one year from a role which needs to be done full time, so perhaps leave it until you return to work following your second maternity leave. The people I have known with long term stable jobshares, including those that get promoted together, have matched up when their youngest children are in school.

fieldmouse231 · 07/03/2026 16:29

LadyLapsang · 07/03/2026 14:31

I would be surprised if anyone would be interested in a job share with someone who is about to be absent for up to one year from a role which needs to be done full time, so perhaps leave it until you return to work following your second maternity leave. The people I have known with long term stable jobshares, including those that get promoted together, have matched up when their youngest children are in school.

Thank you, yes that makes sense to me too.

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