Thoughts on job situation - reduce hours or leave?

[Anonymous]

This is my work situation:

I worked full time until my first child was born and then went back 3 days per week. We had a nanny for those days, which also helped with household work. I had my 2nd child 3 years ago. About 18 months ago we had some issues with our nanny which made me not want to rely on nannies any more (driving issues, lying). I realize everyone is different - it would just be difficult for me to trust someone with my children in that way again.

Since then my children in kindergarten and preschool go to full time school / day care. I work 4 days per week and leave early to get them by 4:30. During this time, my husband's job responsibilities (and salary) have expanded. I am now doing all household and kid related activities (which makes sense based on our jobs / salaries).

I don't like sending my 3.5 year old to aftercare and really don't want to hire a nanny to pick her up early. I am considering:
1. Asking work If I can cut my schedule by 3 hours per week so I could pick my children up by 3:30
2. Leaving my job entirely and trying to do freelance / consulting work on my own.

I do enjoy the intellectual aspect of work and enjoy what I do, but am kind of overwhelmed by the routine of getting up at 5:45 AM and not finishing up with household stuff after work until 9 PM. I also think my oldest daughter will be getting more school work next year, as well as time spent at after school activities. If I could pick up earlier, it would ease some of those issues, but wouldn't necessarily provide more downtime for me.

I am thinking of requesting the 3 hour cut (which would also cut my salary) and seeing how it goes...

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you need to do that from a mental health standpoint.

[Anonymous]

Try the reduction in hours. Don't quit, the job market is still pretty bad and you will probably regret it if you can't find another (better ) job later on.

[Anonymous]

Can you outsource more of the home stuff?

[Anonymous]

OP Here - A few additional notes:

- I did look at outsourcing some home stuff. We have a cleaning service that comes every other week. I looked into getting someone to do some laundry, groceries, cooking - she was going to charge $25 an hour, which seems like a lot (compared to what we used to pay our nanny)

- I like the content of my job, but it is a stressful, face time oriented culture where not many people are part time and my current arrangement is already frowned upon. I have thought about going elsewhere, but i think it would be hard to find something part time.

- I am actually interviewing for a higher level position at my job, but while i still want to advance professionally, it seems really hard to do while working part time.

I am kind of conflicted and having a hard time deciding what to do. My husband thinks I should wait to ask about reducing my hours until after this interview process is over - which probably makes sense, but could be awhile.

I really do hate leaving my youngest at extended day camp - I think she is fine from 8-12:30 but the afternoon is really hard because she needs a nap and they don't have nap time there.