Ideally I want to work PT but have interview for FT

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As the title says really, I'm torn as to what to do. Basically I return to work in 4 weeks time on a job share basis which is fine, I'm happy my work have been so accommodating but the issue is if I hadn't gone off to have a baby then I probably would have looked for a new job.

It's a nice place to work but I feel I know the job inside out, have taken on additional responsibilities and there are no promotional opportunities in the near futrue (there have barely been any in the 4 years I have been there).

Anyway our family is complete for now and I would like to focus on my career a little with the aim to possibly have a second child in 2-3yeats time and then re train in HR.

Anyway the job I have an interview for isn't in HR but would be a brilliant next step career wise and would look good on my cv and losely relates to HR. However it is FT and I don't know how we will manage as a family plus the guilt I might feel leaving my dd could be awful.

So what would you do, put your career on hold for another 5 (possibly more) years or try to juggle family life and work??

My dh thinks I should go for the interview and see what they say. I know a little about the company and they seem to be good employers and may eventually agree to PT should we decide to have a second child in the future. We may not though so this may not be an issue.

I just don't know what to do ??

I would go ft. But i was looking forward to get back to work and didnt even considered pt.

I interviewed for a FT position, and told them at the interview that I wanted to work part-time ideally. I did this in the questions part at the end, after i'd done my best to impress them. They offered me a choice of full-time or part-time job. It's worth being honest and giving it a go. I guess see what vibe you get from them during your interview.

That's really interesting FairyPenguin, I might mention that at the end then. I'm going with the attitude of what will be will be so I guess if I lay all my cards on the table so to speak then if they really want me then they may be willing to be flexible :)

Your strongest bargaining position is when you get the job offer - I would hold back asking about PT possibility until then.

Yes, you are in a strong position as you know they want you, but they might not look favourably on you not bring upfront and honest with them.

Bit different as I was going back after three years at home after DC2, but I was offered the job FT, took it and then negotiated PT once I'd been there a few months. During those months I worked hard to embed myself in the company and make a good impression, so that my case for PT was strong i.e. they knew I was reliable, hardworking etc.

I would say it's worth going for the interview - don't forget you're interviewing them as well as vice versa, to see if you would want to work there. In my case the job was perfect in every other sense and I really, really wanted it, so took it despite not wanting to work FT. I've never regretted it :) so I guess it depends on the job.

Not implying that PT workers are usually not hardworking, BTW, just that (sadly) I felt like I needed to prove myself, particularly after such a long break from the workplace. Having worked PT after DC1, I know that even the most lentil-weavery of places can still harbour that suspicion towards PT :(

My last 2 jobs in a row I have applied for full time positions and persuaded them to give them to me part time.

If you don't ask you don't get!

I agree with PP, go for the interview and say that you want to work part time.

For most employers it is not that they want the job to be full time, they probably have not even thought that the job could be done part time, or thought that they would get anyone if they made the job part time.

If they want you for the job and it is possible to do it part time, then no reason you should not get it part time.

We have several staff at work, who at interview have asked for 4 days or to leave at 2, etc, this has been given to them as we wanted them and were happy to adjust the hours.

Like ChalesRyder my last two jobs were full time when I applied for them. At the interview I explained the hours I wanted to work and it was not a problem.

Employers get a good deal from part time workers. Most working 4 days a week will do the same as most in 5 days, so they save money and get the same returns. Also part time workers are often more loyal as they appreciate the hours they get to do.

Good luck with the interview.

Just to look at things the other way whilst you are potentially at the strongest position at offer stage, there is the possibility that you will piss off the interviewer. I had a scenario where we made an offer and we were then told the candidate would only be willing to do a 4 day week. Unfortunately this particular role had to be 5 days due to the nature of it which had been clear from the outset. I can't pretend I didn't feel a lot of my time had been wasted.

Thanks all! Just to update you, I ended up speaking to the recruiter in advance and explained that I wanted pt. I felt it best to mention it beforehand as I didn't want to waste their time or mine. Anyway they said the role could only be FT which is completely understandable so I withdrew. But on the plus I have another interview which is pt hours and similar pay etc so I'm pleased.

I was tempted to attend the interview and then try to negotiate the hours but after talking to the recruiter i don't think they would have been happy with that so I feel I did the right thing in this situation.

Thanks again :)

Great news. Good luck with the interview!