Lindsay has been home with her toddler for the past two years and is now facing a big decision—should she go back to work part-time? She loves being home with her child but misses the structure, socialization, and professional fulfillment that work brings. At the same time, she worries: Will part-time work actually give her the best of both worlds, or will it create new stressors she hasn’t anticipated?
Lindsay isn’t alone in her questions. Many moms debate whether part-time work is the right move, and those who have made the leap have a lot to say. Here’s what moms who have been there had to share about the pros, cons, and realities of part-time work.
The Pros: Why Moms Love Part-Time Work
Many moms find part-time work to be a great way to maintain a professional identity while still having plenty of time for their families. Here’s why some say it works well:
- More Balance, Less Burnout: "Working three days a week gives me the adult interaction and intellectual challenge I crave while still giving me two full days to focus entirely on my kids. I no longer feel like I’m failing at both work and home—I get the best of both."
- Time for Chores and Mental Space: "Having one weekday off while my kids are in daycare is game-changing. I can run errands, clean the house, and even have a moment for myself so that our weekends are actually enjoyable family time instead of a marathon of catch-up tasks."
- A Gentle Reentry to the Workforce: "I wasn’t ready for full-time work after being home for three years, but I also knew I didn’t want to step away forever. Part-time work helped me transition back at a pace that felt right."
The Cons: The Hidden Challenges of Part-Time Work
Of course, part-time work isn’t a perfect solution for everyone. Many moms highlighted the unexpected difficulties of working part-time:
- The Workload Isn’t Always Part-Time: "I technically work 20 hours a week, but I still get emails and calls on my ‘off’ days. Some jobs just don’t scale down well. I had to set really firm boundaries to make it work."
- Daycare Costs Can Eat Into Earnings: "We ran the numbers, and the cost of daycare made working part-time almost a wash financially. In the end, I still chose to work because I needed it for my mental health, but it’s definitely something to consider."
- Career Growth Can Stall: "I used to be on a leadership track, but when I went part-time, I felt like I got taken out of the running for big projects. If career progression is important to you, it’s worth thinking about how to stay visible."
How to Make Part-Time Work, Work for You
If Lindsay—and moms like her—want to explore part-time work, what’s the best way to set it up for success? Moms who have been there offer this advice:
- Pick the Right Industry & Role: "Not every job works well as a part-time role. Teaching, nursing, and freelancing tend to be more flexible than traditional office jobs."
- Negotiate for True Flexibility: "Just because a job is part-time doesn’t mean it respects your boundaries. Be upfront about expectations—will they expect you to check emails on your days off? Do you have set hours or just a total number of hours per week? Get it in writing."
- Plan for the Long-Term: "If you think you might want to go full-time again later, look for companies that value flexible work arrangements. Some places see part-time as a step back, while others view it as part of a career journey."
Final Thoughts: What’s Right for Lindsay?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For some moms, part-time work is the perfect solution—a way to balance work and family without feeling constantly stretched thin. For others, it introduces new challenges that make them question whether it’s worth it.
For Lindsay, the best move is to reflect on her priorities: Is part-time work about financial security, personal fulfillment, or a gradual transition back to full-time? Once she knows her ‘why,’ she can start searching for the right role—not just any part-time job.
If you’re a mom considering part-time work, what’s been your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments or check out our Resources Page for more insights on flexible career paths!
