Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

DH & I have been discussing how we want to work with DS going back to Pre-K in the fall. The school we want him to attend is about 30 minutes from us, and although I requested for my hours at work to accommodate dropping him off and picking him up, I was denied. It is really important that DS goes back to school this fall, and the school we are looking at seems to be the best fit for him, so DH & I spoke about me working only part-time (I have to have my own spending money - it's just who I am) and having more time with my boys and being more available to take them to school, activities, etc.

So my questions:
-How hard is it to adjust?
-Does the change in income affect you more or less than you thought?
-Do you have any "down-time?"
-In how many activities do your DC participate?

TIA!

Re: Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

I went from FTWM to SAHM to PTWAHM and couldn't be happier.
After a year of doing it, we analyzed the finances and found that we were only varying by about $500/yr, which we found to be neglible. Amazed me that going from such a high salary, high stress position to being home and working 10-15hrs/week and spending quality time with my family (dinners ready at a reasonable hour, playtime as a family, peaceful weeknights) could actually be so affordable, but with daycare costs, fuel, and additional takeout meals during the week (plus a cleaning lady, etc) ---the savings really added up faster than we realized.

Edited to answer your other questions:
No, I don't really get any downtime, except when younger DS naps. DH will put them to bed a few nights a week, so I use that time to just sit and chill. My ILs live very close and we try to take advantage of that, so we can have date night once or twice a month.
We're involved in several mother's groups for playdates, we attend every library function/community activity offered in our area, and we belong to CMEE and have an Empire Pass so we are always out doing something....

Message edited 6/28/2011 11:26:25 PM.

Re: Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

When I went from FT to PT is was awesome. The best of both worlds. It really didn't affect our budget. My down-time was when I was at work. I worked 2 days in the office and 10 hours a week from home. There was a slight adjustment period but it was pretty smooth.

Re: Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

Re: Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

I went to PT the month i got my BFP! I was planning on going back to school. Working 3 days a week was perfect for me. Financially, it worked because my pay rate went up as well.

As of recently, I'm down to one day a week. It has been a really tough transition for me, but getting through it by filling our days with library groups, playdates and that awesome Empire Pass. Fortunately, finances haven't been affected cuz hubs got a new higher paying job right at the same time. Albeit more hours & less help, but we're adjusting.

Still trying to find a way to justify keeping the cleaning lady. I dislike housekeepping, but they do not clean like I do...and I'm home more now, but this baby boy keeps me busy!

Even with 1 day of work a week, i wouldn't give it up cuz i like the "work me" part of my life. I do feel fortunate to have it, and be here more for my son.

Re: Transitioning to working P/T & being home more - BTDT opinions/experiences needed

Working Part-time is the BEST. My boss let me switch to p/t when DD was born and I can't imagine it any other way... it's the best of both worlds, I get a TON of time with DD but I get to use my work brain twice a week and it's heavenly!