full time to part time

[azzurra]

Mine is the usual dilemma: balancing work and family life. I have always enjoyed working and having my financial independence before I had DS. I had always been of the idea that I would try to go back to work after my maternity leave. My idea was to go back part-time and I could have done so had it not been for the waive of redundancies which hit my istitution (including myself) whilst I was away on maternity leave. I am working now three days a week at the same place on a short term contract which will end in december. I have started looking around for alternatives. Ideally I would like to work part time. But the reality is that, if I want to stay in the same industry, I would have to go back full time. It has been suggested to me that I could go back full time with a view to try and sell the part-time idea to my future employer once I am "established" in the new job. Is it viable? Anyone with similar experience? Many thanks

After twenty six weeks in employment you have the right to request flexible working. The employer has the right to refuse, but must provide good reason.

I suppose the question is, do you want to stay in the same industry? As I see it, your options are to do something different part-time or something similar full-time. What's most important to you?

It doesn't really seem fair to apply a full-time position that you know you wouldn't want to keep if they couldn't change it to be a part-time post.

Why don't you apply for full time jobs, then at the interview gage whether the role could be done part time. And whether they're the type of firm to accept it. I'm doing that at the moment. The recruitment agents know I'm after a part time job ideally, which are hard to come by in my field, so they're only considering roles they think I could negotiate on.

Other idea is, get full time job then after 6 months ask for part time or a job share. It may not be common but if they really like you they may agree. That's what I'm hoping for.

"Why don't you apply for full time jobs, then at the interview gage whether the role could be done part time. And whether they're the type of firm to accept it. I'm doing that at the moment. "

Just bear in mind that some interviewers really dislike this - my attitude is that I have advertised a full time job because there is a full time need. I don't want to waste my time interviewing people who are not interested in the job and terms advertised.

Agree hairytriangle.

Advertising and recruiting cost thousands

No employer advertises a job just for the hell of it! They advertise the post that needs filling. If I am looking for a full timer in my dept, it's because that's what is needed. If I only need a part timer, that's what is advertised.