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Should I increase working hours?
Pepperoni
Posts: 461 Forumite
Has anyone made the decision to increase their working hours, despite having young children? I currently work 3 days a week, but I'm really enjoying the role and feel like I want / need to give it 'more'. Mum Guilt means I've been having an ongoing debate with myself for some time over what's best!
I think deep down I want to increase, but I feel like I might regret it later down the line. Or that I'm picking my career over time with my children and so on.
I think deep down I want to increase, but I feel like I might regret it later down the line. Or that I'm picking my career over time with my children and so on.
- [STRIKE]Credit Card: £2,989 / £2,989[/STRIKE]
- Bank Loan: £12,000 / £14,000
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Comments
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Only you can answer that question.
You shouldn't feel judged for working extra hours/days at (Somehow) the expense of your children.
The only thing I'd say is that further down the line you might have a view of, 'damm, wish I didn't work those 3hrs anymore'.0 -
I know a fair few that do work full time but then you’ve got to factor in childcare costs when school holidays happen (as there’s about 7 week gap between kids off and annual leave allowance) plus then tax and stuff. Go through different scenarios on listentotaxman and see what works:T:T :beer: :beer::beer::beer: to the lil one
:beer::beer::beer:0 -
How old are your children?0
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The children are 2 and 4. The eldest starts school in a couple of weeks. If I increase it would just be x2 additional mornings, so it would only impact the youngest in that sense.
I've already done all of the financials for numerous scenarios - to be completely honest, it's not really about the finances, we don't need for me to increase. Nor would we be 'a lot' better off for it.
The decision is more based on trying to find a work / life balance which I feel I have lost.- [STRIKE]Credit Card: £2,989 / £2,989[/STRIKE]
- Bank Loan: £12,000 / £14,000
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It seems like you want to but don't wish to be perceived as selfish or a bad mother for opting to spend time away from the children.
Go for it!
Alternatively, if your employer is flexible why don't you trial the additional hours for a period of time before commiting, or work the additional hours each alternate week.0 -
There have been a number of threads about SAHMs, housewives etc in recent weeks.
Opinions have been fairly polarised and in some cases it's just not practical for both partners to work due to the cost of childcare.
Personally I'd want to go to work. It's something you can do for yourself as an individual. It gives identity apart from your partner and children. My own view is that it makes me a more interesting person. Plus, you're good at it and enjoy it! So why not?:)0 -
My mum worked full time from when I was a very young age. She didn't need to either, she did it because she wanted to go to work.
I really respect her for it. And she was happy, and as a kid it's so important your parents are happy. You know if they aren't, however young you are.0 -
My mum worked full time from when I was a very young age. She didn't need to either, she did it because she wanted to go to work.
I really respect her for it. And she was happy, and as a kid it's so important your parents are happy. You know if they aren't, however young you are.
Funnily enough im the opposite. Although i was a very happy child, as a child I would of much preferred my mother hadn't worked full time and spent more time with us. I have more respect for a parent that balance it better0 -
You know that whatever you decide, there will be someone somewhere who feels that it's their responsibility to make you feel guilty about it.
So, granted you're going to feel guilty whatever you do, I would go ahead and do what you want to do - which I think is increasing your hours.
Don't let anyone tell you that 'back in the day' women with children didn't work. Women with children have always worked - they just haven't always been paid for it. Taking it to it's logical conclusion, society doesn't have a problem with mothers working - it has a problem with mothers working for money. Strange world, innit?
So get yourself out there.No longer a spouse, or trailing, but MSE won't allow me to change my username...0 -
I worked part-time when the children were young. I did 3 days but my days were Wednesday, Thursday, Friday then the weekend followed by Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. Then I had Thursday to Tuesday off. I loved it but I never really felt fulfilled at work, it was go in and get done. It was only when I went to five days per week, five hours per day that I felt it was more of a career. If that makes any sense? I changed when the youngest started school.
It was fine when the children were at school and healthy but very challenging when the children were on school holidays or poorly. That's when I felt I was spinning plates.
You should do what feels best for you and your family. If that means you would be happier working a few more hours, then why not?0
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