Karen, a self-employed contractor and Guy a, secondary school teacher from Haywards Heath have two children aged 8 and 6. After initially both working virtually full time, they were dissatisfied with the pressure, the childcare solution and plagued by illness. Karen now works 4 days per week, including some travel, while Guy works 3 days per week. They share the childcare around their days off and also have a childminder on stand-by for occasional days of extra cover. In addition they have a cleaner. Although Guy's job is very important to him, he admits he is less concerned by career progression now, but feels positive that there remain opportunities for good people like him. Karen feels extremely empowered by being self-employed and has confidence that that she is able to deliver what is needed for her projects. They have encountered some negative perceptions from friends and family about Guy going part-time, but are comfortable that their solution is both economically and personally viable.