Leave term time only job for a more senior role but still part-time?

[Mumsworkneverdone]

I am in my forties and I currently work part-time term-time only. An opportunity has come up to apply for a higher NHS band that would mean I could still work three days a week but no longer being off over the school holidays unless I take annual leave.

We are financially secure at present and my salary is small relative to my partners so my reasons for making the change are career progression and contributing more to my pension rather than being better off day to day.

whats holding me back is my children are primary school aged and I love spending time with them in the holidays. I am aware this time is precious while they are young and that I may be better making this change when they are at secondary.

Am I mad to consider giving up term-time only ? (We have no family support)
or should I be looking to advance my career?

Any experiences would be appreciated!

I would do it
you’d still have time off in the hols and could work it with clubs / leave / your partner etc to cover those
you have to think long and short term and career progression and more pension are important too
what does your partner think?

I would go for it. You can always take a week or two parental leave in the holidays if you're able which is unpaid bit you'll probably be better off financially overall.

Good for you! the 18 weeks unpaid parental leave could go a decent way to helping you figure out the holidays too

How old are your kids? If YR/Y1 and you've got all of primary school ahead of you, I think term time only works really well, but if they're Y5/Y6 it may not be such a big problem

It depends what you want out of life, I'm 55, I've worked work in a school for 20 years and I'm term time only even though my daughter is in her 20's now there's no way I'd give up my holidays. I loved the time off with my daughter and love the time off now to do what I fancy. I was never fussed with career progression though, so it all depends on what you want for your life and finances.

Hi all,

Thanks for these responses it’s great hear your views. For context my children are year 3 and year 5. My partner thinks I’m crazy to consider more responsibility in an already stressful job and because we don’t need the money.
when I think about what’s important to me it’s probably more important I spend time with the kids. I just hate the idea of missing out on a job I’m sure I can do.