Term-time working & full-time part year

“I used the firm’s Time Out programme, to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity – to be an extra on the final season of the award winning fantasy TV series – Game of Thrones. I have been an extra in the series for the last seven years but having joined Deloitte in 2015 I knew it would be challenging to find time to continue filming. Thankfully, the firm fully supported me and I was able to take on the role.

All partners and employees at Deloitte can request a four-week block of unpaid extra leave each year, to be taken at a time that suits them and the business.”

“I work full-time, but there are two weeks a year I don’t work. I take these in August when both Houses of Commons and Lords are typically on recess, so it’s generally a quieter period for my team. This pattern means our family can spend dedicated time together over the summer and also that my partner and I can cover most of the school holidays between us. We don’t have any family living nearby, so this is important to us. My working week involves working from home two days a week when I can be around for school drop-off and pick-up and also that all important contact with parents and teachers.

My partner works a similar pattern, so we only need childcare for one day a week. The key to making this pattern work is good communication, organisation and the technology that’s available today. I submitted a business case after thinking through the requirements on the work and home front and then discussing these with my manager. There’s inevitably a period of adjustment with a new pattern, but these challenges can be worked through in a collaborative environment and the benefits are significant. I feel lucky to have a pattern that enables me to do a rewarding job, while not missing out on quality time with my children as they grow-up.”