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Feel awkward at work because I have DC

3 replies

TheNotJustAMumLady · 11/05/2023 16:55

I’m just so fed up of being made to feel awkward and difficult at work just because I have children.

I’ve started a new role on secondment so it’s internal. I’ve worked really hard to get the skills for this and it’s more money, better prospects etc. My workplace supports flexible working and up to now I’ve been able to leave work to pick up my DD and then do another few hours at home.

I took this new role because they said it was hybrid working and I discussed doing the school runs with the interviewer when i accepted.

However my team leader is someone else and is new to the business. She told me today I can continue to work flexibly, as long as I’m available for meetings when needed. Well of course a weekly meeting has now been scheduled at 2:30pm which is stipulated to be face to face. It’s not been scheduled by her but I don’t feel she will be supportive of my ‘problem’.

It’s going to be so difficult to organise someone to collect her on that day and I feel awkward asking for the meeting to be changed.

All the managers seem to be men or young women with no children so they just don’t get it. I was so excited to get this job and now I feel I will be THAT person. I feel I will be told to make arrangements.

My DH does a customer facing role so can’t really help. I might be able to get a friend or grandparents to help but it’s not guaranteed of course. There are no after school club places available at this time of year.

My DD is starting high school in Sep so this is only an issue for the next 8 weeks. She can’t get home herself from primary but will have DS to walk with in Sep.

Annoyed that I have to worry about this now, yet again, after I’d taken a hybrid role and discussed this.

OP posts:
Ilkleymoor · 11/05/2023 17:53

It's annoying but stay calm, present it as a request for 8 weeks as per your discussion at interview/after role was offered. Don't apologise or be grumpy, just ask to change that meeting. It might feel like a big deal because you're going into a new role.

WhatAmIDoingWrong123 · 11/05/2023 17:56

Not sure why someone starting seniors very soon can’t get herself home tbh. Won’t the school release her if someone’s not there?

Drywhitefruitycidergin · 11/05/2023 17:57

I'd propose a new time & say as per your discussion when you accepted the role you are not available at that time for the following dates although will be again after 31st July.
Failing that I'd invest 4 days holiday and take the afternoon off for the next 8 weeks.
It's so short-sighted of employers to do this.
If it was a customer/client meeting then absolutely but not internal.

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