To ask to reduce my hours after being in a new job for 3 months?

[Twinklestar2]

I have a feeling you are going to say IABU :(

I started a new job 3 months ago after being made redundant whilst on maternity leave. I work full time. My 21-month old son was at nursery 4 days a week and with my husband 1 day a week, however my husband’s job now requires him to be at work 5 days a week so my son will be going to nursery full time starting this week.

I had Friday off with my son and it was glorious! We had such a lovely day. He’s at such a fun age. It reminded me of how lovely having the summer off with your child is.

I really want to ask my work if I can work 4 days a week but my husband and best friend says it’s too soon in to a new role to ask. But the company I work for is run by 2 women so they understand about childcare issues – they already let me finish early so I can get home for bedtime – and other women work part time here because they have children. They also employ contractors who work purely from home and come in once a month or so.

But then again I’m nervous to ask because they have employed me on a full-time basis to do the job and I am new.

What would you do? Has anyone been in a similar situation?

Thanks all for your replies. Plenty to think about.

Or have another baby go on May leave & reduce them once you come back

Why would having another baby make any difference?

Anyone can now ask for flexible working after 26 weeks ' service.

However I agree with others who have pointed out that it might be wise to postpone this request as they've already been very accommodating.

It was mainly tongue in cheek but people often reduce their hiurs after number 2 but also so half pay mat pay is less of a shock.

If you were to reduce to 4days even without the compressed hours, be aware that you would very likely end up having to squeeze a full time job into 4 days and, of course only get paid for the four days.

Part time is lovely, though.

Having another baby is not easy for me