Anyone ever regret going from FT to PT?

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I've been at my job for about 18 months and was originally hired for PT. However, after the interview I was told the position is for FT. No biggie. I love my job and working FT has not been an issue. By the way, I work 3 12's a week and I'm a rotator.

Fast foward to now, I'm expecting and debating whether or not to return from maternity leave as a FT or PT employee.

I've made a list of pros' and cons but still haven't made a final decision.

Pros are:

-Not having to use daycare

-Spending more time with baby

Cons are:

- Less money to spluge due to reduction income

- boredom on my days off

- Fear of the "What ifs" What if my husband unexpectedly looses his job.

We just purchased a new home and have a baby on the way so going part time will require some sacrifices. I'm just not sure what to do.

Any advice ?

[Emergent, RN]

I don't think you will ever regret being part time when you have little ones. I did it when mine were small. Babies love their mamas best of all, and if you can make it, do it. Part time will keep you mentally and financially stimulated.

You can save a lot of money by budgeting and good home economics. When you work part time you have more time to cook home cooked food and shop carefully.

[mhy12784]

Go full time and youll be able to (better) afford a retirement fund, college fund for your child, an emergency fund etc

Its never a bad idea to get ahead when you can afford it.

Any case of the "what ifs" and life can get rough

Especially with a new home AND new baby. All it takes is one significant problem with either and you could suddenly be drowning.

At the very least I would get a SIGNIFICANT financial cushion before cutting down.

[ICURN3020]

I don't think you're going to have to worry about being bored with a new baby ☺I would work part-time if you're able to...you'll never be able to get the baby years back. That time is so precious and fleeting, although it may not seen like it when you're in the midst of it.

Congratulations!

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone for the advice!!! I guess I have a lot to consider before making a final decision.

[adpiRN]

Part time! You can always pick up extra shifts or get a PRN job if you need extra cash.

But time at home with a baby is precious so try and get all you can.

I know on my old unit there was a long waitlist of full timers wanting to go part time. So grab it while you can!

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

I have two PT jobs, where one is benefitted. So, I probably do not count in your equation... or do I???? I left a Full-time position for two PT ones and went from day shift to nights. I did something similar when I was in nursing school so this is nothing new. In any case, I did not suffer reduction in pay (I get paid way more) and I have plenty of time with family (note the night shifts). So... no regrets because I am able to afford the things my family needs and wants.

[RNperdiem, RN]

For the childcare part, going part time was worthwhile.

The pros were: not having to pay for childcare, the time spent with home and family, less stress from work(less time at work), and a bit more freedom with time.

The cons: less money and a tighter budget, slower learning and growth as a nurse(you don't become a maestro if you practice once a week).

I didn't find boredom to be a problem at home. Taking care of a newborn was more overwhelming than I expected.

If you are working, even part time, you can always pick up extra hours if the money is needed. You would be in a better position to get more work than a mom who is not working at all if your husband loses his job.

[sistrmoon, BSN, RN]

I was a 40 hr a weeker when I started and now work 3 8s(overnight weekends, best paid shift.) I have 2 small kids. No regrets whatsoever. I keep my foot in the door but get to be a sahm all week.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

No kids here, but I would take PT hours in a heartbeat if I could make it work financially. As it is, three 12s work for me. Five 8s would kill me.

I consider my job to be a means to an end, something that allows me to pay my rent and buy groceries. Firm believer in maintaining a favorable work/life balance. I work to live, I don't live to work.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I had changed my employment status from full-time to PRN about four years ago and remained that way for three years. I just made the switch back to full-time status at the end of last year due to the desire for employer-sponsored health coverage so I wouldn't have to obtain my own under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

I personally enjoyed the flexibility that PRN status bestowed upon my work schedule and personal life. I did not regret the years I spent working PRN.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

Never for a moment!! :) I have 5 kids ages 12 down to 1, and I've worked FT and PT off and on, with a year at home in the middle. I dropped from FT to PT when I came back from my last maternity leave. I'm never going back to FT unless I absolutely have to--at least not until all my kids are out of the house. Right now I feel like I have a good balance--FT is too stressful with everything else I have going on, but I didn't want to quit because I love my job. PT is perfect.