Money V sanity

figurine

I currently work a compressed week, a full weeks hours in 4 days, this suits me and my family fine as I don't mind getting up early and it gives me an extra day a week to do shopping, cleaning, see friends who don't go out to work, arrange appointments etc. However I have been offered a new job with a new employer which was advertised as full time. I asked if they'd be willing to consider my current working arrangement but they won't. Their hr suggested 80% of full time and the interview panel are considering this. So, am I mad/selfish to take a nearly 20% pay cut (the new job will be based on a full time salary of about £2k more than current job) and should I just forget it and do a normal 5 day week or should I accept 80% if they offer it to preserve my sanity? I am not the main earner but do need to work.

I should add that I've been with my current employer over 20 years and feel staying isn't an option because the job is changing in ways I can't cope with. New job is a good opportunity with a respected employer.

SarEl

One of my staff works compressed hours like you - I think she is mad! It is really hard work, and whilst I can see the point of having time to see freinds or whatever, I can't see it in having an extra day to do housework! If the new job is something you really want, why not think about going full time and using some of the pay increase to pay one of the friends who doesn't work (and may like a little extra cash) to do the housework jobs you hate most of all. I'd make you a list of the things you could dispense with, but since it would consist of all the housework, it may be a little long! But that way you can have it all - better days not trying to cram a full time job into hour days, and less housework so you should have some more quality time at the weekend.

figurine

Thanks but I actually don't mind housework and wouldn't feel comfortable with someone else in my house when I'm not here. I'm not a saint though, my mother does our ironing! I will take full time over 5 days if that is the only option as it's definitely time for a change. I also need to find a balance because oh works 50+ hours a week and we can't both be doing that.

Mind_the_Gap

For me, there would be no contest - I'd go 80% in the job I wanted and preserve my sanity. You sound like someone who strives to be perfect and if you would be unhappy with compromises, I suspect you would be happier being perfect at a part-time job + home, than falling just short of perfect with full-time + home.You have to be a bit kinder to yourself, I think - you will feel the benefits in the long run.

I have worked both full time and part time as a teacher for 30 years and looking back, I realise I should have stuck with part time even after the children were of school age. If your partner also works full time and you do all the housework, shopping etc, in the end something has to go.Full time work outside the home for people who have children under university age is often very stressful and often you don't realise it until there's a crisis and you are made to put things in perspective.

You will probably save some of the money you'd have earned on the 5th day by being more organised about food and other matters. My friend has just retired from full time work and has found the time and energy to get the best deals and save hundreds on utility bills, shopping, mortgage, insurance, loads of things!

I'd say you were being offered a lucky break here - go for it! Good luck, whatever you decide - hope it works out.

MrsManda

I don't think you're mad or selfish to want to preserve your work-life balance and sanity though I do the only people who can really answer your question is you and your partner. You need to sit down together and discuss the pros and cons of the situation.

1. What are your priorities as a family?
2. Can you afford the drop in salary?
3. Is the drop in salary made up for by the fact you'll be home more often?

HTH

paddyrg

There are strong reasons why the new place won't consider 5 days in 4 - for instance their clients may all be 9-6 core office hours, so an extra hour before and after those hours has less value to the company, for instance. I would suggest taking the new job at 80%, and enjoy the extra 2 hrs/day free time so you can enjoy the fifth day :-D

figurine

Thanks for the advice everyone. Don't know about the last one, I often think my early mornings are the most productive time because I get peace to concentrate, speak to my boss when he comes in and deal with emails.

I can't do anything now except wait to hear.

smileylondongal

Hope this goes the way you'd like it. Personally I'd do reduced hours as it sounds as if you wouldn't lose out too much financially but that any loss would be worth the sanity gained.

skintandscared_2

If the new full time pay is £2k more, and you take a 20% cut, it obviously won't be 20% less than you got before, because the starting figure is higher. I'd stick with the 4 days you do and take 80% if you're able to do that. Sounds like a working/home life arrangement that I would love to do and suits you and your family.

pawsies

Can you not trial the full time, if you don't like it then drop to 80%?

JoungandNaive

I would agree with other members that it comes to what you are after, or to paraphrase that when you are most happy. You want more money on your bank account or you can go by with less and have more free time for your hobbies, chores etc etc.

You need to make a list with pros and cons.Put things in perspective.

I would also add since you are still young you can in the future work full time, as to find what you are really after in life !!