Good time to bring up a modified work schedule?

Augustmama1113

I'm currently 6 months pregnant and I KNOW I need to change my work schedule around to accommodate LO#2. At this point, my manager has been extremely flexible, but I'm looking to permanently change my schedule when I return from leave. I'm not too sure when the best time to bring up the subject? Before I leave? While I'm out on maternity leave? When I come back?

If this position can't be flexible, I need to find somewhere else to work, so I'm also trying to take that into consideration.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

FemShep

Before you raise the issue, I think you should put together a proposal with an emphasis on how it benefits the business (instead of what you need).  And keep in mind that it can be very difficult to find a new job when you're visibly pregnant or with a newborn.

That said, you should discuss a modified work schedule when you present your leave plan, around month 7 or 8.

If you bring the issue up when you return from leave, it won't go well.  Imagine being a manager, having someone who has been out for 8-12 weeks and who you're expecting to work 40 hours a week come back, and on her first day tell you she needs to change her work schedule.  Talk about feeling on the spot!  Bringing up a new schedule while you're on leave is even worse, especially if your boss can't or won't accomodate you.  You may be asked to pay back benefits you received while on leave if you don't return. 

jlaOK

I would definitely bring it up soon.  When I went to PT, I discussed it before I went on leave and had a written agreement in place then.  Although there were logistics to be taken care of when I transitioned back from maternity leave, I was glad that both my employer and I were happy with the arrangement before I had the baby.

If your employer says no, I would not mention anything else and "plan" on coming back FT there after your leave.  You can spend then next few months looking for another job w/o it affecting your current one.  Depending on your field it may be difficult to find something new with flexibility, so you might have to stick it out with your current employer until you can find something. 

RoxyLynn

Are you talking about reducing your hours, or shifting around your 40 hours (e.g. doing 4 ten-hour days)?  Is your job one that lends itself to flexibility?  For example, if you're a nurse in a doctor's office that sees patients from 8am - 4pm, there's probably not much flexibility there.

Augustmama1113

RoxyLynn:

Are you talking about reducing your hours, or shifting around your 40 hours (e.g. doing 4 ten-hour days)?  Is your job one that lends itself to flexibility?  For example, if you're a nurse in a doctor's office that sees patients from 8am - 4pm, there's probably not much flexibility there.

The work I do is extremely flexible and I'm not looking to cut my hours. Just try for four 10 hour days.

Thanks for all of the input. It was very helpful!