WWYD about full time v part time

[StrawberryClafoutis]

I have been offered a new job. In current role I work 5 days compressed into 4, so roughly 8am to 6pm. My new job don't offer compressed hours but are happy for me to work a 4 day week. The salary for 4 days is £71,200. The company have told me they would be happy for me to increase to 5 days at any time (salary would then be £89,000).

I love working 4 days, and especially the fact that it gives me an extra day with my children. But the salary increase for full time would be significant.

My husband works full time compressed hours (5 days over 4) and earns £55,000.

What would you do in these circumstances?

Option A - I work 4 days per week. Husband continues to work 5 days over 4. Combined salary is £126,200. Prioritises quality of life / work life balance.

Option B - I work 5 days per week. Husband continues to work 5 days over 4. Combined salary is £144,000. More stress and less free time for me, but more money.

We live well within our means at present (on my current, lower, salary) so there is no real financial pressure, save that the increased salary from 5 days would mean we could achieve goals like house renovations much sooner. And obviously there are pension benefits etc. The world is mad at the moment and the cost of living ever increasing.

Am I foolish to choose to work part time in these circumstances?

How much do you currently earn for your 5 days (compressed to 4)?

If you aren't actually taking a pay drop and don't need the ££, I would go with the 4 day week and quality of life. Appreciate the extra hours you have in the AM/PM too, don't just work long days (because you're used to it) and not get paid for them!

How much do you earn in your current role? I'd be tempted to take the 4 days. It's a still fantastic salary and you can increase to 5 days when your kids are a bit older.

Agree with PPs. If it’s a good pay increase compared with your current salary, take the four days along with the knowledge that you can increase to five if you want to.

Are you sure they won’t pressure you to increase to five? Will you be managing a team? Can you choose your non working day?

On that salary I’d definitely do part time! A 4 day week salary for me would be 28,800 and a household income of 68,800 so FT needed on both parts here to live a comfortable lifestyle. so the figures you’re talking about make a 4 day a week a no brainer, but I don’t know your circumstances or outgoings

Why not ask to start on 4 days and review in 3 months?

How old are the children? If they’re at school I would take the 5 days and see if you can finish early one day to do pick up at normal time (your husband can do normal time pick up the day he’s off). That’s what we do and I don’t find it stressful at all. We have a cleaner, children love afterschool club, and have quality time over the weekend - no chores, no stress). As your husband has one day off a week, can he get the bulk of things done if you don’t want a cleaner?

If your children are at nursery, then I’d do 4 days and increase to 5 when at school.

I’ve recently had a day a week off and honestly I have done nothing!! But, mine are at school so there isn’t really anything to do!

Thanks so much for all the helpful input!

Current salary is £65,000 for 5 days so it's a really decent payrise (and drop in hours) anyway.

One of my children starts school this year, the other is still nursery age. I think revisiting the plan when they're both at school is a good idea.

They might, although they seemed very happy to offer me 4 days. No management responsibilities, and I can choose the NWD (has been confirmed as a Friday as that's when I don't have childcare).

I’d do 4 days while dc are small… and maybe forever.

In that case I would take it - and congratulations!

Thank you!