Need Schedule Help -- Please

AJinVA

So I'm finalizing my work plans for after my maternity leave and I have two basic options. ?I have to pick one and stick with it for at least several months once I return, so I can't try one out for a little while and then decide.

Option 1: I work a flex schedule of 9 hours a day at work. ?I would have every other Friday totally off to spend with baby. ?The opposite Friday I would only work 8 hours. ?Baby would be in daycare from 6am until 4:45pm. I would commute via vanpool, so there would be almost no cost for me - no gas, or wear and tear on my car. ?I would get home at 5:15 and be rested since the van is quiet.

Option 2: I work a regular schedule with no days off during the week. ?Baby would be dropped off at 7am and picked up at 4pm by DH. ?I would not get home until after 6, probably around 6:30. ?I would have to drive every day, so that would be expensive gas (35 miles each way) plus wear and tear on the car and the stress of driving.

So I'm torn between having Baby in daycare for a really really long time 4 days a week - but having evenings with DH and Baby. ?Or having Baby have a short day at daycare but I would have a long day and no time during the day except for weekends with Baby and DH.

So what would you choose? ?Any advice?? ?DH is ok with either option and is leaving the choice up to me. ??

MKE6115

I would go with option 1. Having more time in the evening with your family and an extra day off in the week sounds great. Kids really do fine in daycares. But that is just my opinion.
I work 4 days a week and love having the extra day off during the week to just spend with DS. I also work evenings so I do not get to she DH as much as I would like but we have the weekends. Good luck with your choice!

RoxyLynn

Are the other members of the van pool agreeable to having a baby in the car?

sara1104

option #1, my DD goes to bed between 6:30-7pm now since she is a bad napper & is so worn out from all the fun at daycare, if I did #2, I would never get to see her!  Is there a way your DH could take the baby so she/he wouldn't have to get there at 6am??

gibs

Option 1, definitely!

caseinpnt

Option 1. I struggled with the same options (I commute from Columbia to Bethesda, MD everyday) and find the extra day to be worth the long hours. I tried the 8 hr. schedule and it really on gave me an extra 1/2 a day with DS.

karlatrotman

flexible work arrangements are great, but tough decisions.  personally, i like having an entire day off.  evenings are usually spent resetting for the next day.  with my fwa i am able to spend a full day with my youngest (my 2 year old is in school everyday and loves it!).  its difficult to do things at night after work.  traffic is a nightmare and i am usually tired.