To think I’ve made a big mistake at my new job

[Internationalwomendayheadquarters]

Long story short. I started a new job last week. My first day didn’t go well at all due to horrendous traffic home (car crash on motorway- not involving me) and I couldn’t get my kids in time. I panicked and resigned that evening, feeling that I couldn’t commit to a long commute (30+ miles) and a new job that made me feel a long way from my kids.

The next day management called and were incredibly supportive, saying that they wanted to keep me and would do their best to support me. They wanted me to come up with what support measures they could put in place so that I could remain in the job.

A few days later ( and still having not gone back yet at all since that first day) I emailed to suggest leaving an hour earlier and going from 4 down to 3 days a week. All good ideas. Except that I’ve asked to be kept at the same pay for 4 days as for 3. This was an error, right? I feel like I may have shot myself in the foot and that it comes across as greedy.

The business was shut Thurs and Friday as was in Peak District and heavy snow so I haven’t heard back yet. It doesn’t look good, does it?

I’m in an area of skills shortage, and I know they found it hard to recruit.

Well I admire your balls, I'll say that! I sort of doubt they will say yes to the pay remaining the same, but if that's your bottom line in order to stay then better to be upfront. Good luck!

Just send an email and clarify what you meant? They will probably pick it up Monday at the same time they see your suggestions to reduce your hours.

Um.. yeah I mean… that is a bit much. Why would you think they’d keep the money the same? You’ve effectively asked for a massive raise after working one day?!

Surely they will think you are having a laugh on the pay thing.

But other things being equal 3 days sounds reasonable. But not for a 33% higher hourly rate! 😂

Good on you for asking! Wouldn't was say yes it I was your boss but I suppose it depends how desperate they are and whether the job can be done in 3 days

Surely managers would have accessed email even if unable to go to business premises. On what basis did you assume your salary would be the same? Can your job be done remotely?

After working there for one day you literally said please can I work a day less but be paid the same? Wow. That is really taking the piss. If I was your boss I would definitely be raising an eyebrow over that.

How drunk were you when you made this suggestion 🤣🤣🤣

If you email to say about the money, you may come across as disorganised and not paying attention to detail. If you don’t, you’d come across as cheeky. But you might strike lucky. Good luck, you’ll hear on Monday. If you get over this they may be decent employers.

Just wait and see what they say. Chances are you're being underpaid anyway.

Well you have probably given them a good laugh!

How did your first day go otherwise?

An hour less a day and one day less for the same pay? Did you offer to wfh to make up the hours?

Did you actually say, on the same pay? If not then surely they'll assume pay pro rata.

Also wanted to say the first day at my old job, the commute was awful, dark, driving rain, got lost, cried. I did get used to it. It did become normal.

So say you work 8 hours a day - you’ve asked to cut one whole day plus another hour each day - going from 32hours to 21 hours- and you want to be paid the same amount? I’m not sure if you’re brave or crazy!

Blimey 😬

I highly doubt they'll agree to drop your hours by more than a day a week while keeping you on the same salary.

Could you work from home on the fourth day?

Just sit tight. You'll look like a twat re emailing your needs now.

they asked what it would take to keep you, you told them. It's up to them if they're prepared to meet your needs or counter offer.

back yourself. Sit tight!

If you offer skills where there’s a shortage, that negotiation is fine.
I wouldn’t be taking you back though - not the money, but the fact you haven’t bothered to show up for the last few days. I’d assume you were going to be unreliable for any money.

That is a drop pf more than a third of your working hours!

Sorry, to clarify. You quit day 1, because of the travel. They have offered to make some amendments to you to keep you with company, and your suggestion was to leave an hour early, and drop a day, but with the same pay?.....very interested to hear how that goes for you.

If I was them I would be very concerned that you seem to be in the habit of making snap decisions without thinking them through at all.

I will be interested to hear your bosses response

The manager said that she wanted to give me some time to think about and then confirmed that in writing. Please don’t worry I have not just ‘not bothered’ to turn up. The way I see it I resigned after day 1. They wanted to keep me but asked what would it take. I’ve told them. I guess they can take it or leave it.

I'm more shocked you class 30 miles as a long commute

You have proposed going from a 28 hour working week, to an 18 hour week (assuming a 7 hour day 1 hour unpaid lunch), but receiving the same pay?

Why did you think this was ever a good idea? Genuine question?

Good point. But’s it on a dodgy stretch of motorway that frequently gets clogged up. Can regularly take 90 minutes.