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Contemplating a change in work schedule

StrunellaStrunella member
in Working Moms

When I returned from my maternity leave, my company suggested a transfer that meant a much longer commute for me (1 hr 40 min. vs 1 hr).  As a compromise, they offered working from home 2 days a week and going to the office 3 days a week.  This has worked out great.  I have been very flexible regarding my days...if something comes up at work on my usual day home, I swap it with another day.

However, because of overall unhappiness at my job and wanting to spend more time with DS, I really want to cut back my hours.  I have to keep FT status to maintain my benefits, but I feel like working even one less day a week (32 hour week) would make me much happier.  But I am really nervous about the change.  Nervous to ask at work (though I know others who work reduced schedules).  I would not have flexibility with days anymore because I would not have childcare on my day off.  I also would like to maintain my 2 days at home (going down to 2 days in the office)...but is that pushing it?  Main motivating factor is cost of commute...$26/day for train tickets.  Nervous about a 20% pay cut affecting our budget...we'd have to make some concessions.  No more cleaning woman!  Ha!  But also some other cutbacks.  And I'm nervous that our nanny, whom I love, would not be able to take a 20% pay cut and we'd lose her.

This post turned into a vent!  But I guess I'm just afraid to make a change. Some friends have told me to be careful...sometimes this scenario ends up with work on your "day off" but now you're not getting paid for it.  Maybe my company won't agree to this arrangement--who knows?  I think I just need some feedback from others... 

 
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Re: Contemplating a change in work schedule

  • jeffsjaymejeffsjayme

    I got work to agree to let me go 60% when the baby is born, but I didn't have the issues you do.  Mostly with the nanny being able to handle a paycut - that's the biggest factor there.  I'd check with her first BEFORE approaching work.  Because if she says no, will you then find different daycare?

    Maybe the better option, if you're unhappy with work, is to find a different job much closer. But chances are that they won't let you work from home 2 days/week.  It really is a catch-22.  It's not the $26/day commute that would bother me - that'd still be worth my salary...it's the almost 2 hours in a car that would drive me nuts!

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  • StrunellaStrunella member
    I've definitely thought about leaving my job, but as you say, it would be hard to go to a new company and get the flexibility I have.  I couldn't take another job in the city and commute 5 days a week...it's a 1 hr 40 min commute ONE way...so almost 3.5 hours total.  I would never see DS.  It would definitely have to be closer to home, though I still want to cut back a day.  I've even thought about contacting my former boss at my prior employer to see if there is any room for flexibility there.  If the nanny didn't agree to the cutback, I guess we would have to find another one, and that makes me sad.  So, while I definitely want a change, there are so many factors that I just keep complaining and doing nothing!   
     
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  • KellinaKellina
    I went down to 4 days a week starting last July... Best decision ever! It's so nice to have an extra day with the kids, do laundry, meal prep, Dr appts without missing work. I highly recommend!
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