flexible working

[Notmytelescope]

I have been working for a company on and off for over a year. I am employed day to day and my hours fluctuate according to need. I like working there and hope to get a permenant job when one becomes available. I have recently been covering a period of sick leave doing 3 days a week.

The colleague I have been covering was due to return this week and my hours have been dropped to one day a week. I am happy with this as DH is due to start a new job this week and I will have to manage everything at home while he settles in.

However I have just been told that my colleague’s return has been delayed and can I continue doing 3 days... but just for 2 weeks. I am a bit stuck as I would need to find wraparound childcare for extra days at short notice and would have to give a months notice (and pay for it) when the job has likely finished.

WIBU to turn down the extra days? - bearing in mind I want a permanent position? An emergency nanny will swallow all my earnings ( and more?) for the extra days?

So what happened to the childcare that you've been using up to now? Can't you keep using it? Or can you beg favours from friends if it's just wraparound care for 4 days? Even if you have to go with a new provider with a month's notice, can't you just give notice as you start - it might well be you pick up extra work that covers the remaining days anyway.

DH has been doing it up to now. I have 1 day a week in place to cover the original arrangement - but the rest is too much for their ‘ad hoc’ policy so i would have to book it as ongoing and so give notice. I think its a bit cheeky to ask a friend to do 4 days 7–6. I’ve not got many people I could ask and I’d rather save them to call on in emergencies.

YANBU. I'd thank them for asking you and politely explain that you won't be able to arrange childcare at such short notice due to the change in circumstance, but would greatly appreciate being considered for future positions/cover/permanently.

I'd be honest with them. Just explain your husband has been doing the childcare but can't now and so, even though you'd like to help them out you have a child care issue with changing hours at short notice. They might be able to come up with something. If not at least they know you are honest.