Careers supported by part-time work – Julie’s Story

Careers supported by part-time work

For Julie, part-time working gave her a way to balance a career she loves with raising a family. Now later in her working life, it’s allowing her to phase into retirement in a way that suits her.

Can you tell us about how part-time work has played a crucial role in your working life?

I went into nursing in 1988 working full-time. In 1995, I had my first son and went part-time upon returning to work. At the time, I could almost negotiate what hours I wanted to work. I worked 24 hours a week, but in three shifts. So, I’d do six days of seven-hour shifts, and then have about 10 days off, which was just lovely.

I’ve been part-time ever since and have loved every minute of it. It’s worked for me all the way through bringing up three children.

I think part-time working is definitely the way to go when you’ve got young children. I don’t honestly know how people do [full-time working] with the cost of childcare. And now, in my later career, part-time means I can keep working for longer while I also enjoy other things outside of work.

Can you tell us about your experience of retiring ‘on paper’ and returning part-time?

I retired, ‘on paper’, two years ago at 55 years old. I was in an old-style NHS pension scheme, which I could start taking at that point but only if I formally retired. However, I wasn’t ready to give up work and my bosses were happy to accommodate that. I was able to negotiate a contract for shorter hours, which suited my needs, because the NHS are eager to keep experienced people.

My husband and I spoke with a financial advisor and he helped us understand our options. We realised from this, that it was financially viable for us both to make the move to part-time. It just made sense for us.

I now work a basic 12 hours a week, but I can do more if I want, so I do an extra 12-hour shift each week.

I find that my colleagues, who are full-time, are green with envy that I’m part-time. They always say, as I come on shift, “You’re always cheerful”. And I tell them that’s because I’m part-time. So, I think it does have a bearing. You don’t get bogged down with the day-to-day grind.

How has the ability to work part-time supported your journey towards retirement?

Being able to access my pension while still working and with my husband and I both working part-time, it means we can both start ‘weaning ourselves off work’. And we also get to spend more time together doing activities we enjoy and spending time with our granddaughter, while still benefiting from the financial security of an income.

Financially, I couldn’t just retire completely but I was in a good final salary DB scheme, and I wanted to start taking some of my pension. That was nice for the money but equally, in my profession, it’s also your identity so it’s really hard to suddenly stop working, I didn’t feel ready to do that. Part-time working has given me the best of both worlds.

Is your employer supportive of giving you flexibility with your part-time work?

Your line managers decide the work rota across the hospital, but I do think they have some discretion. Now that I’ve got my granddaughter, I’m going to ask them next year whether I can have just one fixed day off a week to make sure that I’m there to give childcare.

I think you could say that there was a stigma with working part-time when I had my children, nearly 30 years ago, I would say I was one of very few. However, I think things have really changed and part-time is a very well-established way of working now.

What impact has working part-time had on your health and wealth?

Part-time work is great for my physical health, for my finances, and for my mental wellbeing. I feel part of society. If I hadn’t returned to work as a nurse I would have done volunteering work. It’s great socially as well.

I found part-time work to be a much better to transition to retirement. It would not have been good for me to just stop. I think winding down gradually is a much healthier way to end work.

If I’ve still got the energy, my plan is to keep going for at least another five years. It suits me and I like it. I think it keeps me young.