How would you word this?

[Rossco]

I got a job many weeks ago but have yet to start because I have had to wait for my CRB and paperwork from my new employer to come through. My CRB arrived today and I finally got the forms from my employer too.

When I applied for the job it was advertised as PT but the hours work out at 3 days FT. I have managed to get a Childminder for DS4 (no mean feat where we live)for the mornings and he goes to nursery in the afternoons.

BUT I am having real problems getting help in the afternoon. You see I would finish at 4pm and school/nursery gets out at 3.15. Friends have offered to help when they can but I can't rely on them for 3 afternoons every week.

I have to phone the manager and tell her my CRB is through and arrange a start date (finally). I want to ask if it would be possible to finish at 3pm and make up the hours with an extra day. My contract says my hours are 25 per week at the discretion of my manager.

The 3 full days are to allow the key workers of the place to use the PC in 'my' office while I am off. The lady who previously did the job did the same hours over 5 days so it isn't unprecidented and all the people I have met so far that work there say they desperately need more PC's/laptops so they can get their work done without using the PC in the office.

Would it be awful of me to ask? How am I best to word the request?

[airborne]

Hi, I would suggest that you tell her 'childcare has been arranged, however I am having difficulty securing a permanent arrangement to pick my child up from nursery'. I understand there is a need to use the pc by key workers and wondered if it would be agreeable that I could finish at 3, which, if required would enable the workers to use the pc late afternoon each day. I am able to work the extra hours by coming in on another day'
Be quick to offer your solution to the problem (adds a bit of positive to the negative)
Also, be sure to make it clear you are willing to do all the hours and not just wanting to leave early on those days.
Without knowing what your job is, I am assuming that its not essential for you to be in the office at work hours just as long as the job gets done? If so, and it seems like it might be a problem could you go in earlier on the 4th day to do your hours and free up the PC earlier in the afternoon?
If the response is not sounding possible, you could even add that it would be a temporary arrangement and you endeavour to find childcare to pick up from nursery.
Then you could always see how it goes....
Good luck!

[SCARYspicemonster]

Did you know that you would have to work 3 full days when you accepted the job? If you did, I think you need to add that you were fully expecting that you would have been able to resolve the childcare issues before your start date but unfortunately you have been unable to. So until you can resolve them, you propose to work your hours over 4 days rather than 3.

If you didn't know, then I think it's fair for you to say that you would like to work them whenever.

[Rossco]

Thank you for the replies, they are both very helpful .

I feel sick at the thought of this conversation but will keep what you have said in mind, particularly following the negative with a positive.

I don't have to be in the office 9-4, this is just their idea as a solution to the PC traffic jam. Hopefully they will understand and we can reach a compromise.

[Rossco]

Just wanted to let you know that I followed your advice and that my employers (yay) were able to help and I can work 3 days 9-3 and one morning 9-12.

What a relief!

[SCARYspicemonster]

Brilliant! Well done - you must be really pleased

[Rossco]

I am delighted, first time back at work in 10 years as have been a SAHM up until now.

I'm looking forward to it but nervous at the same time iykwim?

[SCARYspicemonster]

I'm not surprised - I was nervous starting my new job and I'd only been off on ML! But I expect you'll love it. Once you've found the toilets obviously