Start of my downshift from full time to part time work

ellay864

Sharloid...my OH went from 5 to 4 days but not through choice, it was an alternative to redundancy. Yes we did notice the money at first, and he earnt around the same as you, but in his case he saved on petrol (he does have about an hours trip to work) and on his day at home he does our main weekly shopping so we don't have that chore at weekends. It would have been tighter if I didnt earn a good wage but it's surprising how you can get used to it. I certainly haven't gone full time to compensate for him

SkintGypsy

I went from 35 to 25 hours, but the drop in my wage is reduced because I don't have to pay for before and after school club for my girl. I also get to drop her off and pick her up, and chat to her on the way home about her day. We are both very lucky to have that, and that makes my reduced wage not hurt so much. And when the boy goes to school and there are no nursery fees, that will double my take home pay. Only another three years til then.

Amishwannabee

Very impressed with the cushions Kaz - not very good at sewing and never had a machine but once I get settled into my new routines I might try and have a go at some needlework - have got a cross stitch set to do in the cupboard - very simple one I might add. Hope you have been out in the sunshine today. I walked home from work and picked up youngest en route - absolutely glorious day here.

SkintGypsy

Hi ladies. Just one load of washing in today, as took my big girl to McDs for tea following her glowing report from her teacher yesterday. Also had a while playing on the grass with baby in the garden, so feeling like a good mummy, but a very lazy housekeeper. Is there a balance?

Amishwannabee

Hello to all who have been posting and hope you all had a super day today. With the sun shining it makes me feel so glad that I have taken the plunge to reduce my hours. Was a real battle in my head at first I have to admit, as I did not want to feel that I could not keep up to speed with all my work issues. However, today has made me realise that I can. Felt strange arriving into work later than before and then finishing earlier too. Seemed to get loads done though even after ploughing through loads of emails.
Tonight just got to: heat up tea (was already in freezer and thawed today)
quick hoover through
water beans and tomato plants
update money spreadsheets to agree with bank
remake bed - washed bedding today and lovely and dry now for minimal ironing
read a couple of chapters of my Bill Bryson book - nothing much on TV - will watch the moneysaving prog again but was not very impressed with last week's effort
Enjoy your evening all. AW

Skintgipsy - don't fret about today - you have your little ones to enjoy being with - the washing was done and the housework is always there if you look for it. Enjoy being with the children and congrats on a glowing report from school. Makes it all worthwhile.AW

jackomdj

I like your thread.

I work part time, currently 2 days a week, but changing that to the same hours spread over 3 days when my youngest starts school in September. This will leave me with a day & a half (as they finish at 1:30 on Friday) to get all the housework, shopping, me time done leaving us with family time at the weekends.

Amishwannabee

Well thought I should come back on here and update and trust that everyone is fine in this lovely spell of weather we are having in UK. Work was fine - the first day back I felt I was panicking a bit to do loads as though I was only about for the day. 2nd day in, I calmed down a lot and 3rd day I was well paced and not stressed. Happy with my current workload and all seems to be going well there.
Home wise - keeping up very nicely with day to day things and feel much more in control of it all - washing, ironing, garden etc.
Freecycled a couple of things yesterday and they went by late afternoon which was great. Still sorting out the filing box - more rubbish than I thought but ongoing. Today going to gym in a minute then family coming for tea this pm.
Have a lovely day.

Kaz2904

I'm struggling a bit I started my new 12.5 hr shifts on Thursday night which coincided with DD having an in service day at school. I'm just about to go in for my 4th one but I haven't done any housework in the last few days and DH's done loads of washing and piled it all up on the dining table. So the house is a mess. Oh well, I shall get back to it tomorrow! No idea what we are going to eat tomorrow though?

SkintGypsy

Well we have had a fantastically productive weekend here in sunny West Yorkshire! Loads of washing, line dried of course! Plus two Easter bonnets almost finished for the kiddies, chocolate crispy cakes made for nursery, most of house cleaned, garden tidied up and nearly all the pots planted up. My kitchen looks like a bomb has gone off, but apart from that we are ready for Monday. First enjoyable, peaceful weekend in a while, so that feels good. Hope you have all enjoyed the sunshine!

Rummer

I would love to work part time but for me it is a distant dream.