Potential move from term time to full time

[chingchang]

I work in schools. 37 hours pw, term time only.

Job is massively pressured and I end up doing more hours, I am burned out and stressed, but I do get holidays off.

Single parent, youngest is going into Year 7, siblings are older (15 and 19)

Ive been offered a 4 day role (30 hours) but it’s full time, with 25 days leave plus BH. Same money (say 34k as a random figure) However in my current role a % of that is car allowance, but new role is near home and involves no driving.

I can’t decide. The 4 days is attractive, but I’ve worked term time forever and I’m really worried re loss of holidays and my child being short changed in the holidays (they do see other parent for 50% of holidays)

I’m also worried that it’s not as great financially as it should be to lose all that.

I would love one day per week to get stuff done, but I’m trying to weigh up losing school holidays

Does this new role have the potential to go to 5 days in the future so you will be better off. Dc don’t get cheaper in the teen years and need you at home less. I’d definitely think that year 7 is a good time to switch to year round working though I went to full time

Do it - I recently had this exact change and absolutely love it. The freedom of taking your holidays far outweighs the loss of school holidays.
My DD loves that I can spend random days with her as opposed to being there all the time.

It wouldn’t go up to 5 days, no, but it would give me the experience I need to move onto better.
Im just so exhausted and burnt out that I don’t enjoy holidays at all.

My ex is abusive and I don’t want to push my child to him
more by virtue of me not being there when they are, if you get me, but then I think I could strategically take holiday to be home as much as possible

I would do it. Your kids are old enough that they don't need you at home all the time during holidays and by having that extra day off each week you can keep on top of life admin etc and be more present for them evenings & weekends.

Could you negotiate with your current school? Ask for four day weeks or a nine day fortnight? The worst they can do is say no and at least then you know where you stand. Are you stuck to a pay scale, or do you have wiggle room to go in and say either I want four days a week/nine days a fortnight or a pay rise?

What will your youngest do during the holidays? My dc are the same ages as yours and I think 11/12 is still quite young to be left alone for days at a time. My youngest is fine for a few hours but then gets bored and lonely. It’s also a tricky age for holiday clubs as they have aged out of most of them.
My older two are absolutely fine so it might be a case of short term pain for longer term gain.

I did just this many years ago and my DS was a similar age! It was the best thing I did, far more flexiblity than the rigidity of term time. So I’d say go for it.

A Yr7 child may still want you around or can you wfh? However if you’re stressed and burnt out it’s maybe a no brainier.

Holidays in school time maybe our for a while anyway with your younger 2.

I would say it is very stressful juggling school holidays and working, however if you’re stressed have a Yr7 student who is independent it is very possible rhey will be fine.

Is there any scope for your existing job to become TTO plus, say, 10 days? Would having working time for part of the holidays help alleviate the pressure? I know it depends on the role if that's even possibly but I've known colleagues in school admin/similar roles negotiate that for retention. Those paid days in the holidays allow them to set up for the busy term time days without taking away the majority of the school holidays.

My current role doesn’t offer less hours. They would like to work out a way to wring more out of you tbh! I have suggested WFH and they have repeatedly refused that too.

Ex and I have alternating half terms, so I’m n mine, 3-4 days leave would be enough as it’s only a 4 day week

id take one week Christmas, depending on length of holiday as it’s spilt 50/50 and ditto other holidays.

15 year old will be home and is capable, 19 year is in hospitality so mainly evening/weekends, but yes, there will be times she is alone with 15 year old and has to entertain herself

Remember you can take unpaid leave as well. 4 weeks in the summer is a good break and solves your issues.

They can’t refuse parental leave request legally.

I changed from a part time term time role to a part time year round role about 18 months ago. My pay is lower, so money is tighter, my pension is lower (though still decent employer contribution), I do the same hours over a week but as it’s year round work more hours annually- but no unpaid hours! It’s been the BEST decision I EVER made - the holidays have been far easier to manage than I expected and I’m not burnt out or doing unpaid overtime or stressing about work during family time. My kid is 6 and it’s worked out great. Your wellbeing is important! So many people have commented how much happier I have been 😊

I've just handed in my notice to switch to full time year round, having worked TTO for 15 years. I def need my 6 week break this year, but if I'm honest I get bored towards the end. Daughter is adult so doesn't need me but we enjoy spending the time together. I'm convincing myself taking cheaper holidays, better salary and hopefully far less stress will compensate me for the loss!