To no longer be flexible with work?

[ProfessorPickles]

I currently work part time and love my job, I'm very happy and have a great boss. However, unfortunately everyone's hours have been cut slightly meaning I need to find a second job.

I've been trying to find something just one day a week to make up the hours I've lost.
I work set days but I'm always flexible to change shifts if people need days off or extras to cover holidays etc. In fact I'm the usual person to help others out without complaining about it for days on end!!

But because our hours have been cut and I'm struggling to find somewhere that'll employ me only a day a week I've decided to set up my own business! The type of work means I'll be working more days but fewer hours (think over dinner times).

This means that if I'm needed any extra days at my current job I probably won't be able to because of my business.

Do you think this is fair enough?

I know my boss won't be pleased (understandably) but having my hours cut has meant I have had to find the money elsewhere!

I think that’s fair enough - it’s a reaction to your boss cutting your hours not something you’re doing because you can’t be bothered.

If you have set hours then you can work those hours. Your boss might not be pleased but it would be incredible unprofessional to punish someone for wanting to work their set hours!

Whilst he had is reasons, your boss forfeited goodwill when he cut your hours. You don't owe him anything apart from your new 'standard' hours.

It sounds reasonable but making sure there's nothing in your contract stopping you from setting up your own business (there is in mine)

I'm glad you think so! I'm hoping people at work will understand and I'd like to think they will.

It's a bit frustrating cause I understand people having holidays, but for me I never swap my set days. Some members of staff are pestering to swap their shifts around every other week!!

I take them as my days and if I want to do something on those days it's tough cause I have work. I've swapped 1 shift within 7 months! So at least I'm not the one demanding cover all of the time too

Interesting Curtains! Have they said why this is?

We don't have a contract! It's a family business.
I know my boss will find it frustrating cause I'm the main person to cover shifts people want off, 3 members of staff work for something to do because their husbands earn a lot and their mortgage is paid. They never want to swap but then ask others!

This happened to me.

I sent up my own business and it absolutely took off.

It could be the making of you.

I don't do any work for them anymore.

Good luck.

If the people who don’t need to work suddenly find they can’t swap their shifts they might well leave. If that happened would you be interested in returning to your former working pattern and flexibility?

I would have a chat with your boss and explain your situation. You sound more reliable than some of the others.

It's something about not being allowed to be in competition- not that I'd have the energy to do that!