Question for any working moms that are PT?

AZAmy77

We are expecting our first baby in June! 

I would ideally like to go back to work part time, I was thinking like 24 hours a week. 

Anyone that has done something similar, or has any opinions -

1 - I'm guessing I should discuss this with my work place pretty soon here, when did you approach the subject at work?  (I work in a team where all of us can do the same things as each other, so not especially worried about having replacement, but it is a technical position so there aren't too many part time workers, I'm hoping that since I've been here 10 years they will be flexible with me)

2 - I'm considering either 3 8-hour days or 4 6-hour days a week.  The 3 days seems better for saving money on daycare, but how much time would I typically be pumping at work?  I also have about a 30 minute commute each way, so it could be a long day?  Any opinions on what you think would work best for you?

 thanks!

katharine25

I can only address part 1 since I too am expecting, but I discussed going back part time shortly after I told my employer I was pregnant, so around 16 weeks or so. We've arranged for a schedule that's 4/days a week - 2 in office and 1-2 at home, and then we'll analyze how it's working after a 3 month trial period or so.  I'm lucky that he is open to being flexible to keeping me on, and I was open with him about what my limits would be (ie, that 5/day in office as is current is not an option given I have a 2-hour commute each way) and re-evaluating my duties and positions to make it fit better. I basically gave up a major part of the "fun part" of my job in order to accommodate a position that suits working from home, and we've hired someone else to take over that aspect. I also approached the situation knowing that he may not be flexible, and being financially & mentally ok with being unemployed post-partum for a while.

rachboston60

congratulations!

I can't speak to the pumping issue, but in my opinion, you'll enjoy fewer days that are more hours rather than more days that are shorter.  So if you have the choice, go with 3 8-hr days.  Then you'll have two full days at home to enjoy your baby.  One less day to worry about packing up for daycare, one less day to deal with the commute, etc.  It may mean more pumping on those days you work, but you'll get into a groove with it.  

 

Iblamethebeer

rachboston60:

congratulations!

I can't speak to the pumping issue, but in my opinion, you'll enjoy fewer days that are more hours rather than more days that are shorter.  So if you have the choice, go with 3 8-hr days.  Then you'll have two full days at home to enjoy your baby.  One less day to worry about packing up for daycare, one less day to deal with the commute, etc.  It may mean more pumping on those days you work, but you'll get into a groove with it.  

 

Agree.  It's easier to push through a full/long work day once you are dressed and out of the house.  Also, it's usually easier for employer to have you for a longer chunk of time.

BUT I wouldn't think through too many specifics before you talk to them, so that you can be open to their feedback on what their concerns are or what they think would work for them. 

snicksnack

I went back part-time three days a week for two months when I returned from leave it was great. I would go for the three days it was the best of both worlds. If I had to drive in for four days I would rather be four full days and only take a 20 percent cut. Once you are there you may as well stay and in my line of work I would end up working late anyway. Pumping is easy you will get the hang of it.

christinak22

I did this! Worked M-F before kids and proposed a lessened schedule to my boss in writing when I was only about 14 weeks pregnant to give us time to discuss and decide.

I started my letter by expressing how much I love my job, but also feel strongly about keeping my future children with their parents instead of childcare as much as possible, too. I explained how I had improved efficiency in our workplace and do not feel my working less hours would decrease our productivity. I proposed that I work four days per week and one of those days would be Saturdays so our future children will be home with their dad instead of childcare one extra day. I explained what type of work I would be able to do from home and during technically "closed" business hours. I closed with a reminder that I deeply care about my job and would hate to lose it and hope that the compromise would be a good fit for the future.

FWIW, I work for a religious non-profit, so my boss is extra-considerate and they care a lot about allowing us to have family time here. I love being in the office for three full-length days because I have a long commute and it makes it easier to find childcare for three full days than it would for four or five half days.

Good luck! I sure hope your boss goes for it. It really works out well for me. 

reb84

I had been working part time prior to going on mat leave due to school.  When I returned to work 3 months later, I stayed with the PT because I was still in school.  Now I am done with school but will stay part time because I like it better than FT (and we can afford it right now).  DD still goes to daycare full time so I work 24 hours over 4 or 5 days and am able to get to the gym without taking any extra time away in the evenings with my DD (I get her by 5pm).  This is how it works for us and still allows me to have some me time (and hubby is deployed so I wouldn't get much me time otherwise!)

highlights

I consider myself a part-time worker (weekends don't count, right?) and I really like my 3 days much better than when I was working 4 days. For one, it just seeed that that one day was rushed, and it was just enough time off to throw off DS's routine, where 2 days off is enough to get him into a routine (I work MWF). And the daycare savings (I pay per day) is worth it as well. 

AZAmy77

Thanks everyone!

Baby_Bunny_Hopeful

I SAH for almost 3 years after DS1, and returned to work PT 4.5 months after DS2 was born (former collegue sought me out and made me an amazing offer).  

I currently work 2 ten hour days and am logging in about another 2-4 hours total throughout the rest of the week.

I am no longer pumping, but when I was, I would take 3 fifteen minute breaks and close my office door.