Finding part time hard work ...

[overworkedmummy]

Hi

I have been back at work for almost a year now after 9 months maternity leave. I was full time until my ml, when I ran the office, but returned part time and had to take an administration role.

The office is very fast moving - there is never any time for a break. Although I feel that I am now as much up to speed as I can be, I do find that by working 2 days a week I am not as efficient as I was.

I really feel that since having a baby my character has changed as I am more tolerant but I feel have have maybe gone a bit 'fluffy'.

My boss knows how good I was at my job and has piled on loads of additional work at my appraisal. I said that I don;t have the chance to do it (not SMART) but he has done anyway!

Can anyone tell me, am I expected to be as sharp when I only work 2 days (I do the job competantly so there is no issue there but it is probably more my perception of how it is going) and will it get better as time goes on?

Many thanks in advance

I dont think it is a lack of sharpness, as such, but often when you return to work your focus is not entirely where it was previously. You probably have thoughts throughout the day related to LO, which is entirely normal but you are in effect pulled two ways. If you feel your boss is overloading you with work, confront this issue if it is unfair. To your colleagues you probably seem just as efficient as before, but inside your head its a different story Don't fret about it, its part of being a parent. I dont think it gets significantly better with time, just you learn to accommodate the feelings and become more comfortable with them.

you just compartmentalise.at work you work.and if you apply yourself of course you can be as competent as before.i dont buy this mummy-brain less able scenario

You were working ft 5 days before maternity leave and since you came back pt 2 days a week your boss has piled on even more work than you did ft, for 2/5th of the pay?

Am I understanding this correctly?

Thanks for the replies.

beammeupscotty - I think you have it right. While at work I hardly think of LO though but I know I am not as slick as I was. As you say though, my colleagues/boss don't seem to see this

blueshoes - no, not more than my full time work but my pt work +lots of other projects which he expects e to get done. The job I do for 2 days is fully full time ... not sure how I am expected (or physically can!) do the extra

When I started working part time and my boss kept giving me projects, I was super enthusiastic about everything, and said 'that's great, I'm working on Project Z for my next 10 working days and then moving onto Project Y, so that means I'll be able to start this in 4 months. Would you like me to pass Project Y to a colleague and do this instead?'

Most of the time he would then change his mind about giving me the new project.

This might work for you?

Agree with Grendelsmum. You have to prioritise your projects and get your boss to agree to that.

It does not sound fair for your boss to load on so much work. But having said that, you just need a tactful way to get him to reconsider. You would do that by thinking through how best you can get it done and suggest the solution to your boss.

Please don't think it sounds like you are incompetent if you go back to him. Just say, you already stated your doubts but wanted to give it a go. Having taken it on and considered it in the light of your workload, this is what you suggest eg work on x project in periods where admin work is slower. Y project only done after x is completed. Admin work to take priority or he hires temporary staff to assist.

I think it will make you sound professional and competent to suggest a solution.

Hi

Thanks GrendelsMum and blueshoes. Thing is the admin work never has slow periods - really! We are very understaffed and have far more work than before I left for ml. The others in the office are struggling to complete their objectives too but with 5 days in the office they have slightly more chance to do some additional work.

Unfortunately I cannot pass any work across.

It really has made me think about moving - but I am on a far better salary than I would get elsewhere as I am pro-rata my old salary ...

Thanks again for your views