Deciding whether to work full-time or part-time as a mother is one of the most significant career choices you may face. Balancing professional ambitions with family life is rarely straightforward, and the right decision will depend on your personal circumstances, financial situation, and career aspirations. Both options come with advantages and drawbacks, and what works for one family may not suit another.

The Case for Full-Time Work

Financial Security and Career Growth

For many parents, financial stability is a primary factor when choosing to work full-time. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that the gender pay gap remains an issue, with women often earning less than men due to career interruptions. A full-time role can provide a higher salary, greater job security, and access to benefits such as pensions, paid leave, and health insurance.

Career progression is another key advantage. Professor Sue Yeandle, an expert in work and family life at the University of Sheffield, highlights that “women in full-time roles are more likely to secure promotions and benefit from professional development opportunities, whereas part-time work can sometimes hinder progression.”

Consistency and Workplace Interaction

A structured routine can make it easier to plan family life around predictable working hours. Additionally, being in a full-time role provides opportunities for networking, training, and skill development, which can be essential for long-term career prospects.

However, working full-time comes with challenges, including long hours away from children. Research from the Modern Families Index found that over 40% of parents working full-time struggle to balance their job with family commitments, often feeling guilt or stress over missed milestones and childcare difficulties.

The Appeal of Part-Time Work

Greater Work-Life Balance

Part-time work is often seen as a way to strike a balance between earning an income and being present for key moments in your child’s life. According to a survey by Working Families UK, mothers in part-time roles report lower stress levels and greater overall well-being.

Emma Stewart, co-founder of Timewise, a consultancy promoting flexible working, states, “Part-time roles can offer valuable flexibility, but they must be structured properly to ensure career development isn’t compromised.” While some companies offer high-quality part-time roles, others may treat them as secondary to full-time positions, limiting career progression.

Challenges of Part-Time Work

Reduced hours often mean lower earnings, which can impact long-term financial security, particularly when it comes to pensions and savings. The Fawcett Society, a gender equality charity, notes that women in part-time roles are more likely to experience pay stagnation and a lack of career advancement.

Another issue is job security. Part-time employees may be more vulnerable during redundancies and may not always receive the same benefits as their full-time counterparts. Additionally, part-time work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation, as employees miss out on key meetings, networking events, or workplace camaraderie.

Making the Right Decision

Ultimately, the choice between full-time and part-time work is deeply personal and depends on factors such as financial needs, career aspirations, and family dynamics. Some mothers transition between the two at different stages of their children’s lives, reflecting changing priorities.

For those considering a career move, it is worth discussing flexible working arrangements with employers. The UK government has introduced legislation making it easier for employees to request flexible working, and more organisations are recognising the value of work-life balance in retaining talented staff.

If you are navigating this decision, consider speaking to a recruitment consultant who can help you explore roles that align with both your career and family needs. Whether full-time or part-time, finding the right balance is about ensuring that your professional and personal priorities are met in a way that works for you.