https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 13:35:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2296813 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 08:10:35 +0000 JoJoGirl 2296813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TemperanceBrennan: Thanks :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2296796 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:51:17 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2296796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2296752 Mon, 21 Sep 2015 06:57:05 +0000 JoJoGirl 2296752@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Thanks! Luckily I have a short commute (30-40 mins in rush hour after work) so that's not so bad.</p> <p>@ms.jellen: He is 100% focused on if I would be happy in the job and nothing else. He knows I have a tendency to have tunnel vision where the one tiny bad thing takes up 99.9% of my screen while the 99% good stuff gets totally disregarded. I'm sort of hyper-focusing on the 1 day/week but I keep thinking it's because he doesn't realize how much housework/baby stuff will then shift to HIM! Haha.</p> <p>@daniellemybelle: Yes, hopefully if I do get an offer, I'll be able to negotiate other perks to make up for the extra 8 hours..</p> <p>@TemperanceBrennan: I value the time with her more than the benefits. BUT - to answer your other question - no way in hell could I do this job for another 4-7 years. Maybe 1-3 tops. I'm already feeling sort of done with it.</p> <p>@MrsLonghorn: Thank you - this is exactly what I need to hear. I have never had flex time so don't even know how to 'value' it!</p> <p>@mrsjyw: Thanks so much!</p> <p>Thanks again to everyone - they're waiting for a team member to return from a long vacation before they strategize about restructuring the team, and then will make an offer based on what the role actually entails. I'll keep you posted. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295234 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 16:42:04 +0000 mrsjyw 2295234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Take it! I wahm 3-4 days a week and office the other days, the flex schedule is sooooo important when raising two littles! The commute time that is saved and used towards other things (work or personal) is so worth it! You won't even notice the extra 8 hours! If financially you're not taking a hit, I would definitely do it!</p> <p>And as far as the maternity leave time, I took 12 weeks last time and 14 this time and there really isn't a difference, plus w there flex schedule it makes the transition WAY easier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295220 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 16:24:16 +0000 MrsLonghorn 2295220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I know it sounds hard to give up your special day with LO, but I think flex time is SOOO much better than a 4 day schedule. </p> <p>I work 5 days from 8:30-5 but have an unofficial "do what you need" policy. It isn't officially flex-time, but as long as I meet my deadlines, no one bothers me if I leave early or arrive late due to my child. The reality is that my kid doesn't only need me on Friday -- illness, appointments, special events, etc... happen all the time. I love that I can leave an hour early on a Tuesday to attend his class party if I want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295210 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 16:08:44 +0000 TemperanceBrennan 2295210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I think the deciding factor for me would be to ask "Am I happy doing what I am doing now for the next 4-7ish years without job advancement opportunity while your children and future children are still little." </p> <p>If you are hungry for job advancement and think it is likely that you will look for other job opportunities in the next few years anyway, I would take the job. (Most of the items in your "pros" column are huge benefits over your current job). </p> <p>Do you value that day off MORE than you value the benefits you would gain by moving? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295130 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 15:15:33 +0000 daniellemybelle 2295130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I SAH now but I used to work 4 days per week, similarly to you. I did love my Fridays with LO but the stress of my job really kept me from being present with her on those days. If you think you will be happier at this new job, when you do have time with your LO(s), I think you will enjoy it more... So the trade-off will not be as terrible as you think.</p> <p>I would try to negotiate as much PTO as you can get to make up for the 5 days per week and less maternity leave. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295092 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:49:30 +0000 ms.jellen 2295092@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would take it! I'm a WAHM 2 out of 5 days. The other 3 I go into the office. You get to have Friday working from home.. the flexibility of the hours is what's key. I have flexibility with hours.. and honestly the days I work from home.. I definitely take some breaks here and there but when it's nap time I knock everything out. Then when DH gets home I spend about 45minutes wrapping stuff up. Then after DS goes to sleep I do any last minute stuff. It's DRAINING and I do feel the pressure sometimes but honestly worth it. </p> <p>It sounds like financially and benefit wise the new job offers a lot more than what you have now and that's also extremely important. Maybe the increase in pay and/or the savings in health insurance can help pay for some extra non paid leave for baby #2 when the time comes. Or maybe you will do so awesome and the company will work with you on doing an extra two weeks of maternity leave on a part time basis.. or work from home basis. It's such a great opportunity with many benefits though. It's also really hard to have to give up time that you thought you'd have with baby #2 that you were able to have with baby #1.</p> <p>What does your DH think? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295076 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:33:19 +0000 Cherrybee 2295076@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I WOH 35hrs pw with a long commute (3hrs per day in total). Its really, really, really hard..... BUT, its harder when I'm not feeling inspired at work. When I'm working on a project I love, its totally manageable. When I'm not, I'm demotivated and crave time off with my LO. </p> <p>I say take the interesting opportunity and the rest will fall into place. </p> <p>In response to your most recent question about doctors appointments etc, I try to schedule them out of hours but I I cant I have to take time off. Most of my annual leave this year has been used nursing a sick LO and running errands. Its tough but I figure not for ever. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2295066 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 14:23:12 +0000 JoJoGirl 2295066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Purpledaisy: Great question. In the short-term, I probably wouldn't. In a year or two, when I get REALLY sick of this job, and LO starts kindergarten and won't be home that one day/week anyway, and I don't know what to do next career-wise..... probably yes.</p> <p>ETA: I'm definitely not leaning toward taking it. I'm 100% confused about what to do. Hence my crowd-sourcing it, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294872 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:24:50 +0000 Purpledaisy 2294872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm in the minority on this one, I wouldn't take it if I were in your shoes! Working 32 hours vs 40 would be a deal breaker for me. </p> <p>BUT the other job seems like a great opportunity and it sounds like you're already leaning towards taking it. So it your case, I would say do it! If you don't take this job do you see yourself regretting it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294812 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 11:56:53 +0000 pregnantbee 2294812@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would go for it! Sounds like a great opportunity. The flexibility is key. I sometimes wish I could work 32 instead of 40 (45 including lunch) because my schedule is not at all flexible, but I think it would work at 40 hrs with flexibility to work the hours you want each day.</p> <p>I'd cross the maternity leave bridge once you are pregnant again :) (Sorry about your loss.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294763 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 11:03:01 +0000 Adira 2294763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I work extra - it's a company-wide schedule. We work what's called the 9/80 schedule. Monday-Thursday are 9 hours days (36 hours) and then our on-Friday is an 8 hour day, with 4 hours going to one week and 4 going to the next. So technically I work 44 hours one week (Monday-Friday) and 36 the next (Monday-Thursday) to have 80 hours over a two week period and get every-other Friday off. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294736 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:43:10 +0000 JoJoGirl 2294736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@DillonLion: Haha, thanks so much!</p> <p>@Ms.Badger: Hmmmm.. interesting! My DH does have flexibility because he works for himself! :) (Hence the health insurance I get from my job being so important, as it's our only source of insurance). He has some appointments and events that are set in stone, but in general, has more flexibility than I do. Maybe he can do the dr appointments going forward....... Anyway, thanks - very helpful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294735 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:41:54 +0000 DillonLion 2294735@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I voted go. I've been working full time with basically no flex -time ability and made it work. My LO is almost 3 now and I went back at 12 weeks. The other benefits are too killer to pass up in my opinion, but I can understand how giving up the hours is a huge decision and definitely not one I would take lightly as I'd love to work less hours in the office, ha! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294733 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:41:06 +0000 Ms.Badger 2294733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't read all the responses but your future set-up sounds a lot like my current one. I work 8:00-5:00 MTWR and WFH on Friday. I have my baby with me on Friday and make-up the extra work time after he's in bed at night and keep up with stuff on the weekends. Does your partner have any flexibility? My DH works 10- 7 and stays home on Monday so we only have a nanny 9:30-5:30 TWR. This honestly has so far been a dream arrangement for us, both DH and I get a lot of quality time with him and he gets the nanny as a new, exciting face. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294721 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:31:32 +0000 JoJoGirl 2294721@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh also thanks for the dr appointment info. The issue is my day is so early (starts at 7:30) that no doctors are OPEN early enough for me to go "first thing" by my schedule. So to take her to an 8:30am appt would mean getting to work like 2-3 hrs late. But I'm just nitpicking at this point.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294720 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:31:16 +0000 Mamasig 2294720@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: just want to say that I understand the stress you are feeling. I just went through it a few months ago. Changing jobs is so much harder when you have children to worry about. It's not just about you anymore. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294719 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:30:32 +0000 JoJoGirl 2294719@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Do you work reduced hours? Or do you work extra hours for 9 days so you can't take the 10th day off? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294718 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:30:13 +0000 Mamasig 2294718@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I try to schedule doctor appointments 1st thing or last so I leave early or show up late. But I'm very lucky that I'm salary and my hours are not clocked. Basically if you do your work well, you are not questioned. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294712 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:28:01 +0000 JoJoGirl 2294712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks to everyone for your feedback. I so appreciate it. People I am talking to at work (who work for this company) think I'm like 100% nuts to NOT take it, ha ha. They see the enormous potential for growth in the new career vs. the old and also say the flex time is just a huge huge benefit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294704 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 10:17:45 +0000 MoreCoffee 2294704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Having done both the compressed workweek and more of a flex/wfh schedule, I'll take the wfh option any day. While I loved having a day off completely free of obligations (and extra time to spend with DS), I found it didn't help my work-life balance much. Now that I'm able to WFH more, I get lifekeeping things done in increments throughout the week and that frees me up to be more preset in the evenings and on the weekends.</p> <p>The mat leave situation DOES suck in comparison, but if there's potential for flexibility perhaps you could transition back by WFH full- or part-time initially? It sounds like a great opportunity overall. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294684 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:55:20 +0000 Adira 2294684@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have every other Friday off, so I try to schedule as much as I can on those days, but when I have to schedule something during the week, I try to do it early or late and just use vacation/PTO to cover the time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294681 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:54:04 +0000 reverie 2294681@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>basically the short term will suck. 4 less weeks of mat leave and 8 more hours of work isn't fun but it sounds like the long term benefits would outweigh that for me. It's hard, there are some days I only see my kid two hours a day, but you work with what you have. I make that time count and I make weekends count and while my work life balance favors work, I don't hate my life. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294670 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:46:11 +0000 My Only Sunshine 2294670@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It sounds like a good opportunity! Although I will say I work 75% and have refused to even consider some great full time offers since my 2 year old was born because we've found my working part time to work so well for our family. So I definitely see both sides! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294668 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:46:03 +0000 avivoca 2294668@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: We try to schedule them as early in the morning as possible. I'm able to go in later. My supervisors are also flexible if I need to leave to pick her up sick from daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294657 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:34:26 +0000 Mrs. Oatmeal 2294657@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Others have said it, but this sounds like an awesome opportunity. Especially with flexible hours- 5 days a week will seem totally normal soon enough. Hope it all works out well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294656 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:33:51 +0000 Smurfette 2294656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: I just try and schedule them first thing or last thing so I just can leave work early. Worse case I make up the time after she goes to bed but I rarely have to do that. There have been times were I have to take PTO to take her to the doctor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294655 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:33:31 +0000 snowjewelz 2294655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Go! I WOH 40 hrs a week, and while of course I'd want more time with LO, I feel like we do okay! I think being happy at your job is very important to you as a person too. I def still think it's possible to have a good balance working a full 40 hrs. </p> <p>I leave my house at 8:30, and get home just before 6. I spend anywhere between 1-2 hours at night with DD, and we're pretty much glued together on weekends! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohms-help-talk-me-off-the-ledge-with-a-job-decision/page/2#post-2294654 Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:31:47 +0000 Littlebit 2294654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JoJoGirl: Sounds like a really great opportunity for you! I would go for it.</p> <p>My employer is great about a flex schedule and I love it. On days when I have my LO's doctor appts I schedule them for as late in the day as possible, and then make up that time working from home that night after he's in bed. The new company sounds pretty reasonable - especially with you already being able to work from home one day a week. Maybe you can do something similar for appointments? </p>