When I came back from maternity leave, I came back to Family Hours. I am considered full-time and have all the benefits but I work less hours from 8:30-2:30pm and took a paycut. I love that it gives me extra time at home with the kids, to do homework, make dinner, etc. My kids are 7,5 & 1 and I'm debating whether to go back to my regular hours in the fall once my DD starts Kindergarten. As it is, I already pay for aftercare but pick them up around 3 or 4-5pm depending if I have errands to run. They recently changed the schedules at work so it's no M-Th from 8 to 5:30pm and F we get out at 3pm. I have mommy guilt just thinking of how long they'll be in school.
I guess I'm just having an internal battle with going back to my longer hours and missing out the kids. There is so much going on during the week that even getting out early doesn't give me enough time. By they time they are in bed, I'm pooped and don't even have the energy to work out ( still have 15lbs to lose but that's a WHOLE other topic). At work, I feel out of the loop sometimes because I miss so much for leaving early and I rarely get to have lunch with my coworkers anymore. I really do enjoy my job and my coworkers are like family. If I go back to work, I'd be bringing in another $10k annually which would definitely help us breathe a little easier.
What would you do in my shoes? I worry that I'll regret the decision and be overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done at home and miss out on the kids. Sorry for the long post and TIA!
Re: Work: what should I do?
I agree with the PP, I would rather miss out on work things than miss out on time with your children. And it sounds like you don't really want to change your hours just yet. Honestly, I wish I could have done something similar and work less hours but not lose my benefits and be able to go back full time when I want. If I were in your position, I would continue working the family hours for a few more years, and return full time once your children are a little older. If you do go back full time and decide it's too hectic, would you be able to go back to family hours? That's something to consider too.