What shift for parents of young kids gives the best work-life balance?

Question

After staying at home with the kids for 2 years I just accepted a new part time offer. Hrs are 3p-11p 3 days a week & every other weekend. It fits perfect with my husbands schedule ( M-F 6-2). I get to pick up and drop off my oldest from school & spend the day with my youngest two. Everyone keeps telling me I should off picked a different shift. People keep saying evening shift is the worst lol. I’ve only ever worked day shift, but now evening shifts just make more sense for my family. What’s with the stigma of working evenings lol? Anyone ever worked evening shifts with young kids at home?

Answer

If it works for your family, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says.

Answer

I will say that working an opposite shift to your partner when you’re used to be home together in the evening (for supper, etc) plus then working weekends when your partner doesn’t is going to get old REAL fast. If it’s something you have to do for the short term until your younger children are in school, I guess you have to make it work… but I think it’s going to suck for your marriage.

Answer

I love my 6-2. If I stay late for some reason, I still have plenty of time to do daycare pickup, or I have time to workout or run errands before pickup. I think it’s mostly preference and how flexible the other partners schedule is to do the drop off or pickup depending. One of my colleagues does 10-6 so she can drop off and then get to her many healthcare appointments. I honestly think both partners doing 4 10s is the best, because you can stagger it so kiddo is only in 3 or less days a week. I did 6-4, my husband did 8-6, kid did 7-4:30 3 days a week and had a full day with each of us solo. That is our goal to get back to.

Answer

Before kids were in school, that shift was okay. Bedtime was rough for a while, cause my oldest was so used to me doing it. Once they're in school it gets tough because  they're in school all day and you're at work all evening, and you never get to see them. 
If it works now, then do it. You can always change things later.

Answer

None of the above. I just started working 4-9s. I still have to be able to get up and take care of my toddler in the mornings. Between my boyfriends work schedule and still having to get up in the mornings, I know I won’t be able to work a regular night shift. I enjoy my sleep too much and I’m exhausted enough already having to get up in the mornings. But if it’s something that works for you and your family who cares what anyone else may say. It’s not their life. They’re not the ones living it.

What shift for parents of young kids gives the best work-life balance?

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