Reducing hours at work

[Hopskipjumping]

My boss has kindly agreed to reduce my hours at work. Currently work 40 hours plus an hour for lunch.

I wanted to drop days but due to holiday cover he would rather me reduce hours per day.

I currently do 8-5. He has suggested 8-3 or 9-4 Monday to Friday.

Has anyone dropped a couple of hours per day and it have a great positive impact?

I was really hoping for a day off. My aim is to spend more time with 2 year old and do the school run at least a couple of times.

I spread my shorter hours over more days and personally I am trying to change it. I find that on the days that I finish earlier I just feel as if I have worked all day anyway - whereas I think that I would really benefit from having a whole extra day off.

i've just recently changed from 8.30-5 to 8.30-2.30. it's not a huge drop and it's only been a week or so but it feels great so far. leaving in daytime is brilliant and i already feel less tired and more energetic.

Four days would be far better than five shorter days.

Problems I foresee with five days:-
You still have to get ready, do the commute, plan five outfits (so more time, money and effort for you)
Leaving a bit late every day will add up to more over five days as opposed to four
What will you achieve with the hour or so off? With a full day off you can always go somewhere/get properly stuck into something

I loved working four days but I would only do it if I knew for certain that I could either do my job in the reduced timeframe or my employer was going to cut my work by 20%. I don't trust the majority of employers to do that!

How flexible is your child care? Could you offer to swap days off when they need holiday cover? Or work 5 shorter days those weeks but have full days off when fully staffed?

That’s a good idea - I might propose the holiday cover idea.

I don’t know why but I feel SO nervous asking! I feel like such a bother and that I should just agree to anything to get it over with.

Ultimately however I am deeply unhappy working so many hours with a toddler. I want to be with her more. And I won’t last unless I’m completely happy with the hours.

I feel same. I do Mon to Fri 930-530.

I could and do get to work at 9am but when my daughter starts school I'll not get there til 9:10 so not sure what to do. I've asked if I can do 9:15-5:15

I don't think such a small reduction will make enough of a difference for you, you'll have 5 day commuting costs, no reduction in costs I assume?
I'd keep pushing for less days

A man wouldn't say that!

Be brave and ask for what you want. Nothing ventured nothing gained...

As others say you'll feel no benefit from 4 slightly shorter days. It sounds to me like you'll end up squeezing your current job into less hours and rushing to finish things, and get paid less for the privilege! No wonder that's what your boss wants you to do.

I do 36 hours over 4 days and that extra day off makes a massive difference to my mental health, time spent with DS and my childcare costs.

Definitely push for what you want. Don't ask, don't get!