I could not live without…

The benefits of working part-time

Laura Woolstenhulme, optometrist at Bainbridge Bespoke Opticians, on how a part-time working pattern reduces stress and optimises time for her young family

2 min read

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Getty/Ada daSilv

Laura Woolstenhulme

07 February 2025

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I work two days a week, and also one Saturday every month. That allows me to spend more time with my son, who is 20 months old. It means that I’m available on the other days in the week to do simple things, like taking him to the GP, which happens quite a lot. It makes things a lot more flexible, in that respect.

My practice, Bainbridges, is really flexible. With nursery, obviously we can’t change the days. I had originally requested to work different days, and they have been fine with that.

The one Saturday a month, we arrange in advance, so it suits both the practice and myself. The practice manager does the rota, and we will discuss it. If there’s something that I know is going to pop up, like a Saturday where I know that I can’t work, I’ll send her a list in advance. It won't just be a set Saturday. We try and do it so that it suits both me and the business. It means my husband is always available to look after our son as well.

If I need to do a short day for any reason, they will also always let me do another day instead. That benefits them, because it means that I’m always willing to go above and beyond. I want to help them as much as I can too.

Family flexibility

At the end of the day, if we haven’t got any patients, I’m often able to leave slightly early, which again, I really appreciate. It means I can do pick-up from nursery, and we can have more family time together.

It just makes me a happier person. It’s less stressful, which is the main thing. I know that, if something has come up and I have to be slightly late or move something around, that they are going to be fine about it. I’m much happier at work, because of that.

It just makes me a happier person. It’s less stressful, which is the main thing

Making business sense

There is always a bit of give and take. In terms of the business, it means that if they need more cover or for me to do another day, if I’ve got enough notice, then I will help them out.

I used to work full-time. I was working five days a week, and then after my year of maternity leave, I came back part-time. We are looking at getting another optometrist to work part-time soon as well. That will work quite well, because it will offer balance and mean that somebody else can work the days that I am not working. The main thing is that family always comes first. That work-life balance is brilliant, for me.