Returning to work with toddler: three long days or five flexible days?

[WorkingItOut2000]

Hi everyone

I'm really struggling with a decision and feel I need the wisdom from you mums a little further along the journey than me!

I have a 2 year old and have been out of work looking after her for 2 years (some project work). It's been divine but it is time to go back. I had her late and was very career driven so am lucky enough to go back to some senior options.

option 1
Consultancy. 3 days a week. 2 days in office. Long days. 2 days with daughter. Great money.

option 2
COO. 5 days a week. Shorter more flexible days (9-5pm). Good money and in 4 years high chance of life changing money.

Likely to want another child and both roles will support this.

What is better - 5 flexible days? Or 3 long days and 2 days off (I would hold my boundaries about the days off)?

Also work harder when kids really young then have more financial freedom to hardly work at school age? Or be more balanced with kids being young but working for longer through school years?

Thanks for input!

I'd definitely work more when they are at school compared to more now - they aren't around in the day when they are at school so might as well work then.
Assuming you'd have to drop your daughter off at childcare around 8am and pick up around 6pm if you are travelling to an office on your shorter days, I'd probably do the longer days as you'll actually get some time with her in the day then. Otherwise you'll be rushing out the house and then pretty much bath and bed when you get home. On the long days you won't see her, but will then have four days with her. But if there's another choice to reduce hours more that's what I would choose a hundred times over.

I am doing 4.5 days a week, and find with this pattern I have enough flexibility to do some drop offs and pick ups, go to the park after work or sports classes, and log back on after bedtime, time to go and see the Mother’s Day songs, sports things etc. I initially went back to work on 3 days a week after my second using annual leave, and it was really difficult. Work built up, I didn’t feel I could leave two hours early for a nursery parents picnic etc.

Our plan is as flexible as possible (albeit both having to be in London 2-3 days a week) but earning as much as we can. I have a four year old and a two year old, and the plan is to have enough money to take time out to travel with them, spend time with them, give them opportunities later on, when they will remember. Even with a four year old, I’m seeing as they get older they need you more

I do alternating 4 day and 5 day weeks but 8-4pm (very flexible though). I personally find it nicer to have time before and after work/nursery. I have the sort of job where if you go to, for example, 80% FTE, you don't get any workload reduction so I didn't see the point. I find because I'm officially full time (compressed 10 days in 9 over a fortnight), no-one bats an eyelid at what hours I work. I'd rather have that than drop my hours and get watched more (which I know happens). I can flex around appointments, nursery events, having to pick her up early if unwell, but still get full pay...I'd do option 2 in your situation. I am hoping to rearrange my hours once mine goes to school so I can at least do pick up a few days a week. Luckily I can WFH and DH is home based.