Should I go full time now to get better MAT pay?
I’ve just found out I’m pregnant with my second baby and already worrying about maternity pay!
I currently work 4 days a week but wondering if my work allows, would it be beneficial to start working full time from Feb to then get better MAT pay and holiday allowance to help with finances.
My 2.5yr old at the moment is either and nursery or with family and thriving at both and loves both. I would feel guilty spending less time with her but it would only be for 7 months and then we would be spending more time together.
Has anyone done this before? Did you manage ok working full time and having a toddler.
I’m struggling to work out how much more money I would get and if it’s worth it.
We’re just starting building our house and about to have a Morgage. I feel I need to save as much as possible now to see my through maternity leave.
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It depends what the maternity policy is with your company.
If they pay SMP then it only benefits you for the first 6 weeks. Full mat pay would obviously be different and would be fab whilst on leave.
For me, I went back 50 hours a week with my first when she was 3 months old and lost 80% of my wage in childcare. It meant I missed alot with her and was financially in the worst position.
With my 2nd and now 3rd, I went part time, took 9 months SMP and went back 25 hours and to be honest, after tax and NI I am only £300 down per month but working half the hours and only put the kids in childcare 2x a week inatead of 3.
Everyone's circumstances are different, but for me, it disnr make sense to be around less with no true financial incentive.
What ever you chose, just weigh everything up and have an open conversation with your partner. You can always change your hours or reassess afterwards 😊
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