Money or fulfillment?

KxMx

Usually, as someone who has always been without, I would say "money" every time.

But as you are in a position for money not to be the be all and end all i'd go for the one which sounds like would suit you best- the fulfilment. You've obviously worked hard to pay off a mortgage so why not have the happy instead of the slog now.

Train commuting isn't a picnic either. Don't think I would automatically class that as good over M25 as bad at all.

mintymoneysaver

I would definitely say part time if you can afford it. I've been fortunate enough to work part time ever since my children were little. My days off were filled with meeting friends, shopping, meeting up with my Mum etc. My circumstances changed recently ( split from husband) and I really thought I would have to work full time. Even though my girls are 19 and 15 now I didn't want to do it. I work in a job that involves extra work once I'm home, and I often go into work on my days off just to play catch up ( yes, I'm ateacher!) So I've taken a promotion at work instead that means I often work on my days off ( paid as overtime) but I still have that freedom to say it's Friday and I'm not working today. I suppose if I worked in a job where I knew it finished when I walked out the door maybe I would think differently, but there's no contest for me... What's the point of having money if you don't have time to spend it?

Lunar_Eclipse

Heart over head every time.

I can see the appeal of both jobs on paper. However, you openly admit to not needing the money, therefore it surely comes down to how you'd rather spend your time.

If working full time offers you a higher level of personal satisfaction than you could get doing any hobby or pastime, then take the full time job. If there are other things in life you love more, or think you might love more, take the part time job. Freedom is the ultimate luxury, don't under estimate it.

We all know that money cannot buy happiness, yet we live in a commercially oriented world where money definitely helps. However, studies show that after a certain fairly basic level of income (probably lower than your husband's salary), money does not buy you more happiness. I'm sure that's open to debate, but it illustrates a worthy point.

Personally, I'd be tempted by the part time job, but the comfort factor of an existing employer (that you're presumably happy with) would make me tempted to negotiate the hours for job 1, should I be offered it. THAT would be my goal.

Lunar_Eclipse

Dunroamin wrote: »

I just don't think that family life is very balanced when the husband is working long hours and the wife is part time.

Agreed, but it is probably more balanced than both parents working full time.

Not many families can cope financially without either parent working and those that manage to have both parents working part time (say school hours) and possibly only in term time have really struck gold.

Are you advocating both parents, assuming they live together, to work full time, for reasons of fairness?

ciderwithrosie_2

I'd say part-time hours whilst your children are still young, plenty of years ahead to work full-time if you want when they are in secondary school/college.

brummiebabe

I work part time (school hours, 4 days a week) and hubby works full time - we have 3 children! I would go for whatever works best for you as a family unit.....for us, me working part time, doing the school runs, cooking, cleaning, washing etc works well! I could work full time & earn a fair bit more, but the benefit of being home with them after school is huge!!! It doesn't really end as they get older, DS1 is at senior school but still needs lots of help & support with homework etc. I wouldn't want him coming home to an empty house for 2-3 hours....

DH is supportive of me being part time and, although he'd love to be part-time - the current set up works best for us as a family.

Go for both jobs then make your decision......but don't assume things get easier once children are in juniors or move to senior school.....they just have different needs!

Dunroamin

Lunar_Eclipse wrote: »

Agreed, but it is probably more balanced than both parents working full time.

Not many families can cope financially without either parent working and those that manage to have both parents working part time (say school hours) and possibly only in term time have really struck gold.

Are you advocating both parents, assuming they live together, to work full time, for reasons of fairness?

Not necessarily but the OP says her husband works long hours so that could mean one person working 0.5 and the other working as much as 1.5 which would definitely not be fair. Children need fathers around (and not overstretched) just as much as they need mothers.

mandi

Dunroamin wrote: »

You may love housework, shopping and ironing - many of us don't find it all that fulfilling!

Do you really think that a stay at home parent fills the day with housework , shopping and ironing ! Dunromin ? Hello .

I'm out of this thread . Have fun though , I'm sure you will .

Edit Jodi good luck with your decision

theseeker1

Lara44 wrote: »

For me, it's fulfilment all the way! :j

You're in a very good situation having paid off that mortgage. Now go and enjoy some of the benefits

I agree with Lara44. My choice is fulfillment too.

Good luck! Enjoy!

Bennifred

brummiebabe wrote: »

I work part time (school hours, 4 days a week) and hubby works full time - we have 3 children! I would go for whatever works best for you as a family unit.....for us, me working part time, doing the school runs, cooking, cleaning, washing etc works well! I could work full time & earn a fair bit more, but the benefit of being home with them after school is huge!!! It doesn't really end as they get older, DS1 is at senior school but still needs lots of help & support with homework etc. I wouldn't want him coming home to an empty house for 2-3 hours....

DH is supportive of me being part time and, although he'd love to be part-time - the current set up works best for us as a family.

Go for both jobs then make your decision......but don't assume things get easier once children are in juniors or move to senior school.....they just have different needs!

I agree! In fact I would say that it is just as important to be there and available to teenagers as it is to younger children if you possibly can - more important in some cases!