Start of my downshift from full time to part time work

Amishwannabee

:jHurrah! Today is the first day of my new working life - and I am really excited.

Hubby was not working for a while and son was finishing uni so life was pretty full on financially for us. All that has now changed and we decided after reading a great book "Life Swap" by Jo Hampson and Georgina Perkins that something had to give in our life and that was my working hours!
From today - only working half a week and starting this thread to keep myself motivated as to why I have gone part time and what all the freed up time can give to the family and me.

• time to see mum and help her more
• time to use gym effectively and not just after work when I am very half hearted
• time for youngest who often needs ferrying around after school and to be about more during school holidays
• getting household chores (necessities might be better) out of the way during week and freeing up weekends to do other fun things
• better meal planning to save money on the weekly shop
• SAVING MONEY- by not using transport and all the costs associated as much; better shopping habits because of having more time to plan.
• Declutter the house over a period of time (Flylady here we come!)
• have time to please myself what I do and when

TODAY:

• I will get the washing and ironing up together
• plant some broad beans and french beans seeds
• make a loaf in breadmaker
• do some food shopping - plan meals for next few days
• update money spreadsheets
• clean bathroom and hoover through house

Then tomorrow I can go to gym and go to see mum with a clear head. Here I go......

downshifted

Good luck in your quest. I love working part time after too many years of very long hours working - it's great to have time to yourself - but as you say, important to keep organised. Have fun xx

jules68

Love the user name!!! I too am going to cut my hours as I feel my kids are growing up and I am not there for them.Good luck with everything.Will keep up with your posts to see how you are getting on x

SkintGypsy

I will also be watching with interest, as I have gone part time for similar reasons, although I find that I am really not making the most of my extra time currently! Hopefully you will inspire me to crack on an DO something. Or maybe I'll just sit here and read about you doing something ......

belfastgirl23

So far today I have gone off and worked out what my earnings would be like if I were to drop a day a week so you've inspired me as well. Good luck!

Amishwannabee

Just popped back on and was so excited to see the above posts and know that I am not alone in my quest for our better life.
Have excelled myself I think already - won't get complacent though. After I posted earlier:

I did a bit of weeding around the raspberries and gooseberries. Not all of it just half the bed area so that is a good start.
Then planted the beans and they are now in the greenhouse.
Did another load of washing and a bit of ironing - going to finish off rest of ironing shortly while tea cooking.
Went to gym for an hour and did running plan but not as well as I had been doing so got to build up again over time. Booked in aqua class tomorrow afternoon (woo hoo),
Made a loaf in breadmaker and made a chicken pie for tea which is now in the oven.
Picked up youngest from school after her extra class and she said to me "I love you being here with me mum". I was so happy to hear her say it and know she means it too. I wouldn't be home yet when I worked full time.
Arranged to see my mum tomorrow for a few hours in the morning and we might go for a walk if she is feeling okay - been a bit under par lately.

So much done in so little time really - better than sitting in front of the computer at work! and all I have spent today is 45pence on a small carton of milk to last us until the milk gets delivered tomorrow morning. Result. Hope everyone else has had a great day.

SkintGypsy

Ok, I'm really going this time. You might be good for me. Will make my loving family their tea, leaving big girl to watch baby boy to ensure he doesn't eat anything too disgusting off the carpet. Will address that bit later.

Kaz2904

Oh, *subscribes to thread* . I cut my hours from 37.5 to 30 last August and it's been great. I have so much more time at home and am more effective with my family time. I'm not so deathly tired either. As of Sunday, our units shift times have changed again so I will still do 30 hours but will only work 5 nights per fortnight or 10 per month. How cool is that?
Now sure how much money that's saved me in the last week or so though, because I'm getting into sewing and am going to make a quilt

JodyBPM

I work P/T, 2 days a week. I initially cut down my hours when I had the children as I had two just over a year apart, but they are now both at school (YR & Y1), and I have NO intention of going back F/T ever! I use my free time wisely though, similar things to you, gardening (just got our first allotment, so LOADS of work to do this year), cooking from scratch, brewing, sewing, generally keeping everything in order, the house tidy, and our weekends free!

Will be watching this thread with interest!

Kaz2904

Might I recommend this thread for those who are looking to extend the life of their prodce, live from the land etc, I found it most enjoyable.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1420503
I am starting to keep an eye out for eldeflowers in readiness for picking and making of elderflower champagne. It's delicious.
I found that my quality of life improved massively when I cut my hours and I actually keep on top of things now which saves far more money than we ever could have dreamed. We were quite frugal before but the fact that I'm here more, seems to keep DH away from the shops a little. Or maybe that's because I told him he has issues with Asda as he's always there!

mrs_marty

Good for you hope it goes well! Certainly sounds good, Iam currently looking for a PT job as had my third child in October and have realised that work life balance was completely out of balance and being out at work 50 hours a week was no longer good for anyone.

Love the thought of growing veg etc! This may have to become a personal challenge.

Look forward to more of your posts