Work/Life Balance

I have been struggling with being a FTWM so in my dream world I would would PT and be home with DD more.

I think it could be a win win situtaion for myself and the company I work for. I do not need 40 hours a week to do my job and the company could cut costs. Anyway about 2 weeks ago I approached my boss (the pres of the company) and asked if he would be open to me going PT --OR-- if he has any other responsibilities he would like me to assume since I need more to fill the day.

During our convo he mentioned he knows how important it is to be home with little one etc. And he wanted some time to think about it.

Well it has now been 2 weeks and I have not heard a peep. Do you think I should revisit it? What could be taking so long?

I haven't even proposed a schedule of days/hours or anything I just asked if they were open to my position being PT.

Re: Work/Life Balance

Yes, bring it up again. I'm sure the Pres is very busy and took some thought that day then has been distracted. Not the first thing on their mind.
Happens a lot with my manager when I request a day through email (she's in Rochester) and I don't hear from her for a few days. I usually call and get the... I've been meaning to call or respond to your email, but have been overwhelmed, etc....

Def bring it up. If this is what you want to do have a meeting to discuss what works best.

Re: Work/Life Balance

2 weeks is a long time. Maybe just stop by and ask casually if he gave any more thought to the subject. Or a quick email. You could mention that you had some ideas to share if he was interested and then you could talk about the schedule you would like. I wouldn't let it go too much longer without any feedback.

Re: Work/Life Balance

bring it up again, but with a few ideas. say something like "I was wondering if you have been thinking about our conversation, because i have, and have a few ideas i wanted to run by you." make it like another pitch for why it would work and how, with alternatives.

Re: Work/Life Balance

It is def what I want, I know he likes to kick things around for awhile so I can't say I am surprised.

I would email but from expereince he never gets back to me, anyone for that matter. Stopping by seems to be what works but I dont want to seem like a bother. I guess at this point Im going to have to.

I do like to have monthly meetings with him just for updating purposed, he likes to be in the loop on everything. And he has pushed off my last 2 meetings and actually never even got to have them. I just sent another meeting request to have one this Friday so we will see. If he doesnt say anything to me during the meeting or if the meeting doesnt happen, I think I will approach him again Friday afternoon.

I love my job but I dont want to have any regrets about not being home and DH full supports me being a SAHM, so when push comes to shove, if they want someone FT I might just tell them I will help them find my replacement then be home with my DD. Hopefully they are open to me being PT so I can still have my own income and adult interaction lol.

Re: Work/Life Balance

Oh I forgot to mention, when I intially spoke to him I had a whole spreadsheet prepared with 3 diff options (shedule of days and hours and savings to the company) but I didnt even bring it in with me. I wanted to start of just seeing if he was open to the idea.

I also told him I had a few ideas and asked if he wanted me to put anything on paper for him (since I already did it) and he said no its ok I have ears.

Re: Work/Life Balance

I would take it as a no, but ask anyway. I asked and was told no so I wound up leaving. A lot of it depends of other coworkers and if they would complain. Would anyone else have an increased work load?

Re: Work/Life Balance

same EXACT thing happened to me. i talked to the owner of my company directly and she sympathized with me about how hard it is to feel torn between your job and being a mommy. she said she needed to discuss it with HR and her partner to get clearance but that it shouldnt be a problem. low and behold, 2 weeks past and i didnt hear a thing. i shot her a very non chalant email to see if she had given it anymore thought. the next time i saw her she apologized and just got so caught up with busy season but everything was ok and to give her a proposed schedule. i did and now 3 days a week i leave work at 3pm instead of 5pm to spend more time with my DS. it has been a LIFESAVER. i know its only 2 hours shorter each day but it makes all the diff in the world for my DS and the additional quality time we get to spend together. i also have the extra time to make a real meal 3 nites a week lol.

Re: Work/Life Balance

I would take it as a no and revisit at your next review.

I was surprised my old boss and my new boss were open to PT work. I basically do the same amount of work. I'm just in the office less and get paid less. It works.

Message edited 6/4/2012 11:16:26 AM.

Re: Work/Life Balance

I would bring it up again, but I would be sure to lay out the things you are asking for:

- what days you want to work
- hours in each day
- %/amount of pay reduction
- responsibilities that you would keep
- responsibilities that you would want to delegate
- etc.

Good Luck!