doom and bitch [you have been warned]

[susandennis]

So my latest fret is that they offer me part time and want me to work it every single day instead of x days a week.

I've been noodling this around since last night and I can't come up with a way that I can make it work for me. Munching a chunk out of every work day just won't get it. 3 days out of 5, yes. Part of every day, no.

I am borrowing trouble. I know that but I can't get it out of my head. Maybe putting it here will clear some cerebral real estate.

Comments

[melodysk.livejournal.com]

I know I might just be looking on the bad side ...but do you think this is a way for them to get out of paying you a settlement?

Also , I am pretty sure you are sounding ready for a new challenge ...otherwise you would have leapt at the chance to stay on no matter what hours were offered ..yes/no?

[susandennis]

Your first point is exactly where I went first in my fret-a-thon. Then I realized that I was the one who mentioned part time to start with. They are under no obligation to pay me any settlement or severance. None. So I really don't have a bargaining chip there.

And, to you second point. I am absolutely ready for a change - part time would be a change. BUT, I think what you mean and the change I need is to get my ass outta her. And yes, I think it's probably time.

[estis.livejournal.com]

My advice is usually wrong so you might want to consider doing the opposite of what I say...called covering my ass ya know.

If they don't have money in the budget for you full-time where is the part-time money coming from? Besides losing the severance if any you'd also probably lose benefits too (again assuming you have them there) if you went part time. Part time might be good tho' if you use it to look for a better job...ask the postman--he's always up the happenings in your area lol.

a fairly good job of CMA --

[susandennis]

Actually the main reason for the part time besides a little income is the benefits. If I work 24 hours a week I get full benefits.

And the mailman is going to be pulled into the loop as soon as they tell me what's what - either part time or exit date. He's absolutely in the needs to know group.

I think your A is pretty well C'd. Plus, your thots sure help me chrystalize mine one way or the other!

[ruby-stone.livejournal.com]

I totally agree with you - if you have to turn out every day, then it will still feel like a full-time job. When I went part-time, I did 'mornings only'. Then I gradually realised I was leaving later and later and finally renegotiated. Mon, Wed and Fri - 3 long days, with the other 2 for home-working or other stuff.

I presented my argument in such a way that they believed they would get more out of me if I did whole days, rather than the disruption of half days. I nearly fell off my chair when they agreed with me :)

[susandennis]

Ohhh good thoughts there on the productivity thing. I like that and shall use it if I need it. Thanks!

[gr8cpa.livejournal.com]

Humm.... do you have a long commute? Because driving into the office 5 days vs. 3 days/week adds time and expense. Also, I think it's mean of them to insist on 5 days/week. They know they're cutting your pay. Theoretically, you could work somewhere else the other 2 day/week to make up for it. But if they insist you come in to work 5 days/week, it kinda messes you up for a second part time job.

Benefits, especially health insurance, should be a major consideration. So leaving this job would be a big risk. And new jobs frequently don't work out; then you could find yourself without ANY job and NO benefits. Yuk.

Can you afford the lower pay? If you can, I'd say keep the part time job and benefits, enjoy the extra time you have, and count your blessings.

I'm rambling here... and not offering any solutions, either. Sorry. I'm just giving you my silly take on things. You're just going to have to think about it carefully, weighing the pros and cons. I'm on your side. :-)

[susandennis]

My commute is 1/2 block, literally. No benefits and I'm out of here. My manager first asked me about my doing work on a contract basis and I was very clear - no benefits, no here. Period. I don't know what they are going to offer if anything for a part time salary but I can probably live on it for a while.

I'm glad you are on my side!!!

[susandennis]

Oh please do not worry... I will not go without benefits. If the company doesn't pay for health insurance, then I will. Not having any is not an option.

Your distinction is good... I've had careers all my life, I'm ready for a job now.

[nitemirror.livejournal.com]

The comment I was going to make about you giving them a counter offer was already made (much better than I would have too, honestly). I'd counter offer with the same amount of hours per week, but not working 7 days per week.

[ruralrob.livejournal.com]

I think that last post has a point, Susuan, in that you need to use their offer as a starting point for negotiations. If what you want is three days a week, for a minimum of 24 hours so that you get the benefits, lay that out on the table.

And dont forget to flutter your eyelashes . .

[tabbarama.livejournal.com]

My husband is going through the same thing right now - same offers, same worries. You may feel like you are in a weaker position, but you have to take the opposite approach.
Make the best deal you can right now. They need you or they won't deal at all. Your terms. No part days, it's not efficient (unless you have some compelling reason to want to). And it frees you up to do some other work (or not) if you choose. And you only have to do the parts of your job that make the best use of your skills, and you get benefits, and you can do it for someone else as well, on your terms.
Nothing is permanent. So make the deal now and re evaluate in 3 or 6 months. You will be in a better position to work out details, or know to walk away. But if you don't get an agreement with them now - it could be much harder to get it in a month or two.
I try not to give advice - but it's my life right now - and I have had way too much coffee.

[photoholic62.livejournal.com]

You have gotten lots of good advice here, yay you! My question is WHEN are they going to tell you? I think it is very wrong of them to leave you just hanging like this for ... what's it been? ... a MONTH already? I don't know about you, but that would bug the ever-lovin' heck outta me!

Keeping you in my thoughts, and wishing the best.

[pinkrose70.livejournal.com]

3 days x 8 = 24

stick to your guns on that one!

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

Now for my two cents worth. I now have a job, not a career, but at this point I need a job and not a career. Sounds like just going over all this will prepare you for your answers when they finally decide what they want to do with you.

Just think of all the times in your life when this would have been much worse. You will come out of this in a better position, we all agree on that.