A work schedule WWYD?

[fortmyersbride]

I just started with my new group a couple of weeks ago. The original plan was for me to work every morning while I get acclimated, then switch to 3 full days a week. At my last job I worked 2 10hr and 1 12hr day each week, and I was fairly convinced that I liked having those 2 full weekdays off. But now (given it's fairly early) I think I like being done by lunchtime each day even better.

The other members of the group have suggested that it's my decision whether i stay with just mornings or transition, but i need to decide soon.DS goes to AM PS so I don't miss anytime with him. I am missing some of the one on one time DD and I had in the AM, but DS goes to a weds afternoon language and art class which still gives DD some solo time. What say you, MMM? I'm especially curious as to what the moms of school aged kids would prefer.

[ijack]

I've heard that if you're going to do part day that it's better to do the PM because you can't get "stuck there."
But I would rather have full days off.

[cjeanette]

I think the rotating days would be what I would prefer.

[hannamaren]

Right now, I work 3 long days and I sometimes dont see L at all at night. It makes me sad. I love the days that I go in late.

[arch01]

It depends on child care arrangements while you're working. I'd prefer the every day instead of rotating because it's easier to plan (IMO).

[Deleted]

I usually work 5 mornings a week (8-11:30) & I like it a lot. The worst part is having to get ready every morning.

[h]

With school age kids, I think 5 short days works better. Right now I work 5 days a week from about 9:30 to 5. I am going to try to do 8:30-3:30 once my kids are in public elementary school rather than full-day Montessori. While I personally would love working 3 or 4 long days and having a full day or two off every week, I feel like my kids benefit from having the same routine every day, and I want to minimize our need for aftercare once they are in school.

[Deleted]

I used to work 3 full days (3x8) and I switched to 4 short days (4x6). I enjoyed my time with them much more that way.

[fortmyersbride]

Nov 15, 2012 21:35:48 GMT -5 ijack said:

I've heard that if you're going to do part day that it's better to do the PM because you can't get "stuck there."
But I would rather have full days off.

That was my big concern initially, that I'd get stuck there late a lot. Thus far they've been really good about relieving me on time or early.

[fortmyersbride]

Nov 15, 2012 22:08:46 GMT -5 h said:

With school age kids, I think 5 short days works better. Right now I work 5 days a week from about 9:30 to 5. I am going to try to do 8:30-3:30 once my kids are in public elementary school rather than full-day Montessori. While I personally would love working 3 or 4 long days and having a full day or two off every week, I feel like my kids benefit from having the same routine every day, and I want to minimize our need for aftercare once they are in school.

Good point about after school care. DS is currently in AM Montessori and DD will join him in a couple of years. If I stayed with 6-noon each day then I would potentially just need a sitter for a couple hours in the morning to get them ready and off to school.

[CloudBee]

Half days!

[elocrates]

If I remember correctly, you're a physician, right? How is the charting situation? Working 5 short days could spill over into notes or inbasket work on 5 afternoons, whereas 3 longer days would be two fewer days of "spill over" work. (Therefore, more actual time being truly off of work.)

Also, having a full day off to do morning activities like swimming lessons with the kids or a day long trip to the zoo is priceless, imo.