To think she probably wasn’t joking?

[Lolaa123]

I currently work two jobs, one of which is lunch cover in a nursery so the rooms remain in ratio.. I have been here for about 5 months. I was off home earlier and my colleague said ‘get yourself off’ ‘yeah, we will carry on with our hard work, you go and enjoy yourself’. I know it might sound jokey but her tone was very serious, she looked a bit stern and she wasn’t smiling or laughing. I just sort of laughed and she just carried on going at it and not laughing along. The ‘hard work’ comment made me feel like they just think I have it easy and that I’m not really a member of the team. I often feel a bit excluded from conversations that the practitioners are having. I just feel a bit like a ‘spare part’ and that comment today just made me feel like they think I’m lazy or something for only working a few hours per day and that they’re picking up all the slack.

I worked part time in retail and would sometimes get this from the full time staff. As has been said I was working to cover their lunch breaks.

I often did a 11.30 until 4 shift without a break whereas the full time staff members would have 15 mins when I got in, a full hour for lunch (missing the most hectic shopping time) and then another 15 mins before I left and would then complain I was leaving earlier than them.

She wasn't joking, but also she wasn't having a go at you. She just meant she wished she was also finished for the day.

‘oh maybe you should consider PT too?’
Head tilt.

also - look for a new job where you are appreciated!

There's better ways of expressing your feelings.

I get this as I only work two days a week. So, if I ever want to complain about anything, I always get the comment of 'well you get 5 days off to not worry about it. It shouldn't be a problem for you on only two days'.
Well actually, sometimes it's worse only being part time, as things don't get handed over and it's hard work trying to stick to policy or routines when you're not told about them in the first place.
So yes, I'll grumble about something that applies to my two days a week thank you.

This is the heirachy which exists in all workplaces.
In a way You ARE getting off easy compared to them...You have to see it from their point of view. This is a Learning curve and part of your job in a nursery anyway, to see life from the li5tle ones perspective and put them first. By the way there is always this heirachy going on in workplaces between different sections of the staff. Night staff v. Day staff. ....Agency Staff v. Permanent. And Contractors. And etc and so forth. This HAS to be understood lest we would all be constantly Hurt and Offended by banter. Yes you are in a different category and not everyone is in Love with you at your workplace. Life is brutal and I put it down to Stress and people's need to let off Steam through banter.

Totally wrong I worked in the biggest nursery in my city. Out youngest staff was early 20s most older. All highly qualified with a professional qualification. Yes we get frustrated all adults do in any job. We certainly don't take it out in children we would be dismissed. Please don't make assumptions

Well that's a bit of a sweeping statement! I'm nursery staff and know many others. Thank you for tarring us all with the same brush.

I agree with a lot of others on here who work part time. I do two jobs but often get jokey comments from colleagues (usually the younger ones) about going home early, only working a couple of days etc etc. It drives me mad. I often feel like I have to justify my choice of working hours even though I am twice their age and have done full time hours for many many years.

I used to get this too. In the end I just used to say ‘oh I will. I will think of you all on my day off. Toodles!’
They would never listen if you pointed out you were paid much less than they were

Its par for the course if you work part time i'm afraid. You are unlikely to be treated as an equal in this situation. Also for those who say to remind you get part time pay, that's fine but only helps so far as there are many woman who cant afford to work part time even if they'd like to and havent got any back up to do this. I worked part time for years and years and it was great to be able to have the flexibility, pull everything else in on days off, not comparable to working full time and still having all the other stuff to do on top.

Do they know you work two jobs? Next time if they say 'You go off and relax' you should reply 'I wish I could but I'm going off to do my second job now.'

Yep, me too. It makes you want to say, ‘enjoy your full time pay!’

I used to finish at 2.30 when DCs were younger. Every day without fail as I left a certain colleague would say ooh enjoy your afternoon what are you doing? (As if it was an afternoon off) it got so tiresome that eventually I said I'm not off to lounge around drinking pina coladas, and rattled off the long list of tasks I had lined up, laundry, cleaning, school run, shopping, admin etc. he didn't ask so much after that 🤣

Some people have always had an issue with part time workers, I remember my mum saying when she worked part time 30 years ago people would comment “alright for some” when she was leaving so she used to just say I only get paid for the hours I do?!

I think for a lot of people they are trying to say “your lucky that you can afford to work part time” when usually it’s due to child care

I found life much easier working full time before dc than part time with dc though !

I work part time in a nursery and most of the staff are an absolute nightmare to work with - miserable, unhappy, constantly talking behind each others backs and yes making snide comments. Absolutely horrible toxic environment and I've been upset many times, so I feel for you, op. But I'm not surprised.

Why are you justifying yourself.
Next time just say … will do, unless you’re paying me overtime, and leave.

Why? None of their business what she’s doing … or how many jobs she has.
Could be going home to watch TV for the afternoon, they’re not paying her.

Just shout back "oh I will! Enjoy your work!"

Yup. Tell them they too can have your hours - for your pay.

I would reply with something like “my main job doesn’t pay enough, that’s why I have to work 2 jobs” then watch her squirm.

Remind her you're struggling having to work around your dcs silly woman

What is it with nurseries or schools that turn people into monsters to work with and create such toxic environments?

Other toxic working environments are available.
But possibly the stress levels?

No idea. I've worked in a few and every time I start at a new one I think "This one might be better! The people might be nice, happy, not miserable nasty people with massive chips on their shoulders." But every time without fail it is the same. When there is a good coworker it's like finding treasure.

Sorry I meant to quote @the80sweregreat