Just wondering if any moms here have alternative full-time schedules that make their lives a bit easier on a weekly basis. Example would be four 10-hour days (even though I think that would be really tough). With #2 on the way, I'm looking for some ways I might be able to rearrange my schedule but still keep it at 40 hours. I think I can go down to 37 hours and still keep my medical benefits, though.
Re: Alternative full-time schedules
When DS was born, I just shifted my hours to 7 - 4. I worked in a typical office environment but we had several people who flexed their hours like that so it worked out. I usually left before DS was up, and DH got him up and ready in the morning. Then I was able to be home by 4:30. This worked for a long time for us.
Now I work just 3 days/week.
I'd definitley consider going down to 37 hours if I were you. Imagine having an afternoon each week to grocery shop and run errands. I'd also see about shortening lunch or even working through lunch to lessen your working hours each day/week.
Finally, depending on your DH it's nice if you can alternate schedules (one goes in early and one gets off early). DH and I do this. He goes in at 7:30 and I do daycare dropoff. That way he can pick the kids up from daycare and I can start cooking dinner before they get home.
My kids have one night a week that is just a daddy night, but I get to be home with them two half-days, and I have two days completely off. It works out well for us.
ETA: I have a 2 minute commute and go home for lunch M,W,Th.
I know some people love 4-10s, but I could never work that long a day with my commute.