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.

I mean she has already resigned. Why would she bites someone's hand off to get back a job she chose to resign from?

Could you do 4 hours WFH on the 5th day

Why? It's crap compared to what she asked for.

WFH is not an option for this role. It needs to be onsite for various reasons.

I tried that one! I can’t drop an hour but keep at the same pay, unfortunately.

But I’m glad I asked, because at least I know the answer.

The way a manager will see that is probably you requesting condensed hours. So instead of working eight hours per day over four days (32hr) you're asking to work 32hr over three days.

I would probably go for the new offer as they sounds like a reasonable and flexible employer and an hour before main commute time can make all the difference. You can update your skills and ask for more money after six months. This could also repair your reputation if its a post in a small industry where people talk

I work in a specialist role and I work long hours.

What helps with traffic is that I live blocks from the office. I also stagger my hours during the week which drives everyone insane. I am up and responsive from 4am and desk hours are as early as 6am-5pm or as late as 8am-6pm with evening hours of 8-10pm as needed.

I am ruthless with my schedule. Do not waste my time.

Ugh pressed send too soon.

OP - dropping an hour a day is worth trying but staggered hours might work better if you can’t WFH.