Applying for new job while on maternity leave vs flexible working where I am - help?

[DancingThroughLife]

I'm due to return to work in January after having my DD in May. Originally, I planned to request to go back PT (probably 3 days a week), which I had planned to go and speak to my boss about now-ish.

BUT...

I've just seen a job advertised that would be perfect for me and I would be perfect for.

IF I'm successful in any way, could I request flexible working (as a new employee)? The job is advertised with a full time salary but says that part time is worked out pro rata, which would lead me to infer that part time could be considered. And if I can request that, when would I bring it up with them?

Thanks

I'm rubbish tonight, just seen an older thread about exactly this issue.

So another question... I think this is a job that (in theory) could be done from home a couple of days a week. What would a potential employer think about that? And does anyone have experience of working from home with a baby in the house? Am I bonkers for considering it

I think an employer who is open to part-time working might well consider having some days done from home, if the job genuinely lends itself to doing so. However, working from home does not mean looking after your child at the same time and any employer will look very poorly on that so I wouldn't even bring it up as it will be an immediate negative in their eyes. Employers will still expect you to have childcare in place during the time that they are paying you to work for them. It is mad anyway to think that you could do any decent work around a child, it may work for a very short time while your baby is little and sleeps a lot but once they become mobile (and vocal!) you can't concentrate on work while looking after them. There have been some other threads about this but a quick search doesn't throw up anything. Perhaps someone more intelligent will come along and find the relevant ones for you!

Thanks ann.

That's what I thought if I'm honest. It's proofreading, so while I wouldn't necessarily need to be in an office to do it, I don't think I could offer it the right sort of attention with the baby at home as well. Home working was suggested to me as a way to go back 'full' time, but to be honest it doesn't have the same appeal for exactly the reasons you said.

Think I'll talk to them about part time if I get anywhere with the application though.

Thanks again

You also ned to consider the fact that you are only entitled to make a flexible working request if you have worked for your employer for 26 weeks or more. Therefore, you should make any requests about working conditions in your new job up front and get these agreed and in your contract before taking the job as you will not be entitled to make a flexible working request to change things for another 6 months! Whereas in your old job (if you ahve worked there 26 weeks or more0 you will be entitled to make a request to change your hours. It may be worth making the request to your current employers anyway and get the ball rolling. If they agree and happy with this then may be better sticking with an old job that you know than starting a new job. If they decline then you will know where you stand and can consider taking new job.

Good luck!