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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To only work very part time?

241 replies

OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:01

I only work 2 days a week and even then only during school hours. I feel that’s the most I can cope with whilst also being a single kinship foster carer to 4 children. Colleagues are complaining though saying they think I should work more days because me being so part time is causing problems for them because they are having to do work that I don’t have time to do in my 2 days. Some colleagues have also described it as “ridiculous” that I only work very part time and they feel I should be working a minimum of at least 3 days a week or more. AIBU to work very part time like this? I feel like all my colleagues are gossiping and talking behind my back about how part time I am! One of my colleagues has also said they don’t think I’m a “proper part” of the team because I’m so part time.

OP posts:
Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:11

I got the part time hours through a flexible working request.

OP posts:
Mincepiefan · 29/12/2025 21:11

This is very mean of them. Being a single foster carer to FOUR children would be overwhelming for almost everybody. Presumably the responsibility comes with all kinds of emotional and other complications for the kids that you have to deal with. Next time they gossip, stick up for yourself and suggest that they walk a mile in your shoes before criticising.

itsmeits · 29/12/2025 21:10

OP did you go from having no children to having four to assist family/social services?

Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:10

I think some colleagues and managers don’t see the point in me working here because I’m so part time and I think they feel like our employer should get rid of me and recruit someone full time instead! That’s the sense I get sometimes from my colleagues and our managers and the wider company.

OP posts:
Chasbots · 29/12/2025 21:10

Tell them to take it up with higher management and/or HR.

It sounds like bullying to me and if you have decent HR, I'd be going to see them.

SereneCoralExpert · 29/12/2025 21:10

OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:09

I used to work 5 days a week full time for the same employer before going part time to 2 days a week during school hours.

that's VERY part-time 😂

but they accepted it, and your answer now should be: I am working for the hours I am paid to work. End of.

FuzzyWolf · 29/12/2025 21:10

The issue is with your manager and the person who authorised your working hours. It is shitty if you have to pick up other people’s work but as long as you are properly working and doing all you can within your hours then you aren’t doing anything wrong.

Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:09

Chasbots · 29/12/2025 21:08

I assume you are paid just for the hours you do?

If they need extra help, tell them that someone else needs recruiting and you can job-share.

Yes I’m only paid for 2 days a week during school hours now, those are now my contracted hours.

OP posts:
LilyBunch25 · 29/12/2025 21:09

OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:08

A few colleagues and managers were having a gossipy conversation (within earshot of me and they knew I could hear the whole conversation) before Christmas about if thought it was even “worth” me working for the company because of how part time I am and how the think that the fact I’m so part is “ridiculous and pointless” (their words not mine)!

How nasty 😯

Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:09

I used to work 5 days a week full time for the same employer before going part time to 2 days a week during school hours.

OP posts:
Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:08

A few colleagues and managers were having a gossipy conversation (within earshot of me and they knew I could hear the whole conversation) before Christmas about if thought it was even “worth” me working for the company because of how part time I am and how the think that the fact I’m so part is “ridiculous and pointless” (their words not mine)!

OP posts:
Chasbots · 29/12/2025 21:08

I assume you are paid just for the hours you do?

If they need extra help, tell them that someone else needs recruiting and you can job-share.

SereneCoralExpert · 29/12/2025 21:07

You are working the hours you are contracted to work

If that doesn't suit the business, they need to employ someone else. You applied and got offered a 2 days job, you do a 2 days job.

Original poster
OneJadeSheep · 29/12/2025 21:06

ArseSkinForAFriend · 29/12/2025 21:02

This is something they need to raise with their manager if your (or anyone's) contracted hours are causing them problems.

They're obviously short staffed and that's not your problem.

The managers are also gossiping about it with the colleagues! It’s that type of workplace unfortunately.

OP posts:
Purplewarrior · 29/12/2025 21:03

Your employer could presumably employ someone else if there is too much work for the current headcount.

Nothing to do with how many hours you work really is it?

ArseSkinForAFriend · 29/12/2025 21:02

This is something they need to raise with their manager if your (or anyone's) contracted hours are causing them problems.

They're obviously short staffed and that's not your problem.

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