WWYD? Re: Schedule change

[Alysia]

They are doing new schedules at work. I have the option of working MWF and Saturday and Sunday with Tues and Thurs off. By having both weekend days in my schedule I would get a 10% shift differential for my entire schedule. I would also only need daycare 3 days a week instead of 5. That would save me roughly $50 a week.

But, I would be working until 6 both weekend days. It would mean less time with DH. But, I would still get the same amount of time with DD since I would be staying home with her on Tuesday and Thursday.

We wouldn't really be able to do "normal" weekend stuff.

If I decide to do this, it wouldn't be permanent. It would start in June and go through September or October.

Should I try it?


ETA: My other option is this:

It would usually be 830-5 M-F but we have to rotate weekends. I would have to work every 3rd weekend or so with a random day off during the week and no shift differential.

[Kristen]

What is your other option...just a standard work week?

[Alysia]

I suppose that would be helpful information. Edited first post.

[Mary DK]

And if you didn't like it or it causes trouble at home or any other reason... would you be able to easily change it?

[marcy]

Consider that this is summer, and there there are many more things to do on weekends - picnics, yard work, etc. This possible shift isn't for too long, but it does cut into the busy weekends you might be invited to.

[Alysia]

And if you didn't like it or it causes trouble at home or any other reason... would you be able to easily change it?

Not until end of September/October.

[Shel]

Since it's not permanent, I'd try it. David and I work opposite shifts, so we don't see each other a whole lot, but what time we do get seems to be more meaningful than people who spend every evening with their spouses because it can be few and far between. Plus, you'd be rolling in the dough :lol:

[Jayne]

I think I would take it. With it being summer you can do things with her on those Tuesday's and Thursday's with less interuption on the weekends. Sounds like the money save would be great too!

[MrsPeacefrog]

I personally wouldn't. Main reason being Tony used to do weekend shifts and it killed us, we could never do anything fun as a family, most events happen on the weekend and we like to take the kids out to do things together as family bonding. To us the money just wasn't worth it.

[Melissa]

I agree with Deb. However, can your DH get off on Tuesdays and Thursdays so you can do something as a family? If he can, I'd do it and do those fun weekend things during the week (when a lot of places are a whole lot less crowded). If not, I wouldn't personally. I really like having a couple of days a week that I can be with the whole family. I don't know what the 10% differential will mean? Are you hourly?

[Mary DK]

I agree that sometimes it's nice being able to go somewhere when it's not as crowded but you have to weight that out to not being able to go out as a family for awhile especially since you work until 6 on the weekends.

Blair has wed & thurs nights off, when Eliot was not in full time school we were able to take advantage of that but now that Eliot is in school everyday it's hard not being able to have a full day to enjoy as a family since anything that it's before 3:30 or 4 on the weekends it's just me & the boys or if it's early in the morning Blair can stay awake after work but he's out the rest of the day getting some sleep.

Although it is special when we do get that little bit of time to have those family times right now, we can't wait until summer when we'll be able to have full days for family time.

Okay, after all that babbling... if you and your hubby think that not being able to have that family time & be together will be a big deal for the time you'll be in the weekend schedule then go ahead and change but if you have the slightlest doubt that it will work then my suggestion is don't change.

[schwanda]

I don't think I'd want to give up all of my weekends during the summer.

Amanda

[Cami]

I think I'd do it because it's temporary and you'll make/save money. I agree that giving up your weekends could be a pain... and I can see myself dreading waking up for work on each Saturday... but having some weekdays off might be a nice change. It's amazing how less crowded everywhere is during the week.

How does DH feel about being in charge on weekends? It might be nice for them to have some time together.

[Alysia]

DH has left it up to me to make the decision. He is fine with it because we really do need the money right now. Having Genavieve in daycare full-time has really put a strain on us financially. I have an hour and 10 minutes before I have to give my decision.

Melissa~ I am hourly. It would be a little more than $2 more an hour. Plus the $50/week savings in daycare.

[Alysia]

The poll is at 50/50 which is where I am. :lol:

[Nichole]

I'd do it. It's temporary and could really help you out financially. Genevieve is still young and not in anything that requires weekend attendance yet, so IMO now is the perfect time to do this. Good luck with your decision!

[Melissa]

Some quick math 2extra an hour times 8 (is that right?) hours a day x 5 (days per week) x 4 (weeks per month)= $320
Then add the $50 per week savings on daycare ($200 a month)= $520 extra a month. That's enough for me to make the switch, especially if you could use the money.

Plus


How does DH feel about being in charge on weekends? It might be nice for them to have some time together.
I didn't think of this, I think it would be great that your husband will get to spend a good amount of time taking care of Genavieve by himself. :nod:

[~Jenn]

I personally wouldn't. Main reason being Tony used to do weekend shifts and it killed us, we could never do anything fun as a family, most events happen on the weekend and we like to take the kids out to do things together as family bonding.

Same here - when I was married, he worked nights, and it was a rotational shift. He had one weekend off every four weeks. While I was home during the day, and we got to spend time together, as a family during the day, we had no 'us' time once the kids went to bed. He went to work. And, it's true, so much happens on the weekends, and we would always have to leave early, or not participate. It was so normal for me, at the time, but I see that it really did affect us, as a couple (obviously).

Personally, no, I wouldn't do it. But, that's just my two cents!

[sheila]

I voted yes.

If it were permanent, I don't think it would be worth it. But an extra 2k in a few short months isn't a terrible thing. And with an end date in mind, I think it will be easier for you and DH to have limited time together. Especially if you plan on taking some of that extra 2k and spending it on a trip for the two of you to reconnect-- or the 3 of you to reconnect as a family when it is all over.

[Dennis]

Some quick math 2extra an hour times 8 (is that right?) hours a day x 5 (days per week) x 4 (weeks per month)= $320
Then add the $50 per week savings on daycare ($200 a month)= $520 extra a month. That's enough for me to make the switch, especially if you could use the money.

You need to subtract takes out of the $320, though, so that probably knocks it down to around $220 or so. I don't know if $100 a month makes a difference in the decision.

[marcy]

What did you decide?

[Alysia]

I took the plunge.

We will see how it goes!

[marcy]

Good luck! I hope you all adjust to it well and it's nice to have the extra money coming in.

[sheila]

Good luck!

[Alysia]

Thanks Marcy and Sheila! :hug99:

[Dennis]

Good luck!

[Alysia]

Thanks Dennis!

[Nichole]

Good luck! :)

[LISA]

Good luck! I too would give it a shot but are you obligated to stick with this schedule even if say by mid August you don't like it?

[Mary DK]

Best of luck! :)

[~Jenn]

Good luck!

[MrsPeacefrog]

I hope it works out to your benefit. :aok:

[Alysia]

Thanks Guys! I will keep you posted!