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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would this be cheeky?

17 replies

QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 09:55

I'm about to ask my boss if I can leave at 3pm on Fridays from September.
I work in a flexible job and regularly work over. I have a good relationship with my boss and in the past when I've (rarely) asked to start late or finish early etc she makes it clear she trusts me to get the job done and doesn't really care (as long as I'm not letting anyone down iyswim). In general she thinks I do a good job.
I'm asking so I can pick the dc up from school. I do sometimes finish at 3 but this would now be a regular, semi formal thing. I've said I will be in general starting half an hour earlier because of easier drop off arrangements (this will be 3 or 4 days a week, not just Fridays). When were really busy or I have a meeting the school have an after school club you can book on the day.

I've drafted the email and am about to send and am suddenly panicked that this is the height of cheek! Is it?

OP posts:
Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 09:56

Sorry should have said job is pretty much 9 to 5 but flexible as I've described above. I rarely start after half 8

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MrsWinnibago · 15/08/2014 09:57

No it's not cheeky. It's you asking for something you need...if you don't ask you don't get! Will your colleagues be ok with it though? Can you envisage any practical problems that could occur with the arrangement? You say "Semi formal" but what happens if one day work need you to stay and there's nobody to collect the DC?

HouseofEliot · 15/08/2014 09:58

No harm in asking. As long as you are doing your hours there shouldn't be a problem.

Flexly · 15/08/2014 10:03

Not at all. So long as you can demonstrate your work won't suffer.

Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 10:04

Thanks. That's the thing, I don't 'need' it as such, school has after school club and at the moment they get collected by a cm. but they never have friends for tea. We never go to the park after school and that's what I'm hoping this will allow. If I need to pick them up (ill or whatever) boss just trusts me to getom with it. If I need to stay they can go to after school club until dh or I could get them or I could collect them and then work at home while they play.
It's the lack of need that makes me feel like its a cheek :) wouldn't we all like to work less and get paid the same (though if I'm asked to record my hours to make sure I'm doing the time happy to do this bit I doubt shed ask this). Practically, Fridays are practically dead as we have so many part time workers.
Other complication is I may soon be applying for a promotion so don't want to do anything that implies I'm not committed. But they're very good on work life balance and childcare commitments are assumed and prioritised for men and women.

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Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 10:05

Thanks everyone. It's no major problem if she says no. Just wanted to check it wasn't majorly cheeky to even ask. Like I said if I needed it I'd ask with no hesitation. But I just fancy eating ice cream in the sun with my children :)

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MrsWinnibago · 15/08/2014 10:07

Let us know what she says! I think you should have one day to collect your DC.x

LadyLuck10 · 15/08/2014 10:13

Your boss sounds lovely so in this case I would say no harm in asking. Hope she says yes Smile yes pls update, good luck!

Peppa87 · 15/08/2014 10:16

All employees have the right to request flexible working (children or not!) and employers have to consider every request. They can refuse if they have good business reasons, but your boss sounds reasonable.
Good luck!

vanillavelvet · 15/08/2014 10:18

Not cheeky at all. And you're legally entitled to request flexible working. Your boss would need to have sound business reasons for refusing it too. I understand that this is probably a more informal request than a formal flexible working request though, but it technically amounts to the same thing.

Are you planning to take a reduction in salary to reflect the reduction in working hours?

vanillavelvet · 15/08/2014 10:20

Ah, sorry, just noticed that you are planning to start earlier on other days to make up the hours!

Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 10:21

No. Ill be starting earlier and am willing to continue to do everything she expects of me, working ft. I regularly work evenings and weekends.
If it was 4pm I'd not even ask tbh! But 3pm just see,s on the cusp of cheeky!
Anyway I should probably go and do some of this work that I claim to do so much of :) thanks everyone, will let you know

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Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 12:36

Well i carefully crafted a concise but comprehensive email, considering the tone and content, attempting to anticipate any issues she might raise. Ten seconds later she replied:
"No problem"
:)

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Primrose123 · 15/08/2014 12:58

Great result. Smile Enjoy your Friday afternoons.

hellsbellsmelons · 15/08/2014 13:01

Excellent.
Well done.
It's not like you won't or don't make up the time!

freyaW2014 · 15/08/2014 13:05

aw great news op! Grin

Original poster
QuickieNameChang · 15/08/2014 13:14

Thanks everyone. It will be lovely when they ask if friends can come for tea to say yes!

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