How would you feel about this comment?

[Red98]

Just recently started a new job doing 3 days a week. The role was advertised as 3 working days so I applied as it fits around being a single parent etc. A colleague asked me today how many days a week I'm doing. (busy environment, lots of staff on a rota, all working different days/hours). The reply from my colleague was 'oh come on Red68, you can do better than that' and said I should speak to the manager and ask for more hours as its very busy and the team need the support. How would this make you feel?

I would find it annoying and unnecessary.

That colleague sounds like a prat. Don't worry about it, just be aware they may say other stupid things in future!

I'd have zero emotional reaction to be honest, I'd just say, I work part time, earn part time pay, I love working three days, it's a shame they need more people, I hope they get some new hires! Some people always have something to say - shut them down.

I would think they are trying to be helpful and are thinking you would like more hours. And should ask for them As its busy you'd probably get them. Just say I'm happy with what I've got and don't dwell too much on it.

Who cares what your colleague says? Just ignore the comment (though annoying). They may be jealous…

This is a good point, they might assume you want more hours but are afraid to ask. Just say you are happy with your three days, it's great the company offers flexibility around family commitments.

That's really rude. Your working pattern is nothing to do with them and it's not your responsibility to take on more hours than your job was advertised for because it's busy. Ignore them, they sound like a moron.

Your colleague needs to
Mind their own business.

That colleague doesn’t sound pleasant! You’ve been hired to work three days a week. Your employer clearly recognises that part-time workers make a valuable contribution to the business. And that you are a good fit for them. Ignore that colleague’s rudeness.

Thanks everyone. It's made me feel like they thought maybe my input isn't good enough at 3 days and that I should be doing more

They sound like an arse. I'd make a mental note to avoid as much as possible.

There was no way that person was being supportive , you can do better and it's a very busy team that needs the support. Pull the other one

Tell them you are not interested in working more

I'd be mindful of sharing anything with someone with so many opinions on what you should do

I'm wondering if they were not aware the job was advertised at 3 days and think that I just choose to work 3 days instead. But even so, that works for me for the time being so I don't know why this was commented on

You'll get to know their true intentions over time. Just remember you don't have to share anything you don't want to and you are doing a great job anyway!

Why does this colleague’s opinion matter? Do you need to convince them of anything? You don’t need to justify anything here.

I'd ignore them, it's not your problem. You took the job that was advertised, if they need more staff they should hire more staff.

Just be careful. People like this are very manipulative. She could go to management and suggest that you should be working more hours or imply you wanted more hours . Some people have a way with words . I would nip this in the bud and speak to management about your hours and stress 3 days is enough for you .

I'd go to HR

I would be unbothered bc I don't give a shit, but I would have probably replied with something along the lines of my time being worth more to me than a job which is ultimately just there to provide funds to live.

Just say 'well unfortunately I can't. The main reason I accepted the role was bc I can only do three days.' then just leave it at that. If they need more staff then recruit someone else. Or don't advertise jobs that are three days when you need more!

@Red98

id have just said 'they advertised for someone for 3 days. I only want to work for 3 days. Perfect match really' 🤷🏻‍♀️

This. It’s not your issue that someone else on the team feels under-resourced. You took a job that suits you in terms of time commitment and salary. Anyone who feels overworked needs to deal with it by talking to their manager.

I would have just responded that the job was advertised at three days and that's why you applied because it matches your requirements with your other commitments. They might have thought they were being helpful - or they could have been being rude - either way it's nothing for you to reflect on further.