Flexible working request

[Marshmallow87]

Interested in opinions.

I started a new job in July last year after returning to work after 2nd child. I increased my days from 3 at previous job to 4 in my new one. I’ve also changed roles completely so it’s been a steep learning curve.

I’ve just been totally struggling. The role is extremely demanding, lots of overtime expected due to really high workload and deadlines. Obviously because I have two young children I’m knackered anyway, and struggle to stay on late due to pick ups etc. I’ve tried to be strong with boundaries but I just feel like I’m drowning.

I spoke to my line manager this week and asked if they would consider me dropping to 3 days as was honest that I was really struggling with work family balance. Anyway it was super awkward and now I feel like I’ve maybe made a mistake in asking. I’ve started to look for other jobs but yeh I don’t how how folk with multiple kids are managing to do 4 days. I feel like I’m squeezing full time into those days (I work reduced hours so not compressed). Just after some advice :(

From what you say that’s exactly what you’d be doing: squeezing a full time job into 3 days.

You need to demonstrate how your proposal will benefit them, or how you can mitigate the effect of your request. So, do you have skills which they won’t have if you have to resign? If so, what are your proposals to plug that skills gap for when you’re not there?

Is your job open to a job share? That could be another option.

a lot of 4 day jobs are just full time ones that you have to try and fit into less hours (and fail to). Whereas 3 day ones are actual part-time roles.

Totally agree which is why I thought requesting the 3 days would possibly make it reframed into a more part time role…

Your employer does not have to agree or tailor a job to your needs. They have to give you a response in a timeframe though. Have you submitted a formal fw request?

You haven’t made a mistake in asking, you are entitled to ask. But you should put your request in writing and try to make it about the business and not you struggling with work life balance.

Make your request in writing, you might want to consider mentioning you moved from a three day role. Have a plan (well it seems you perhaps have) if the request is declined.