Worried I’ve made a mistake taking new job at Waitrose

[Symposium]

Trying to get back to work after 15 years of being stay at home mum. Just been offered my first job but it’s only 8 hours a week. I jumped at the chance and now I’m having doubts. Do they offer more hours once I’m in? Is it usual for them to start you off low hours to see how I get on? Anyone got any inside knowledge? Initially felt pleased as I need to start somewhere and 8 is better than nothing, but now Suddenly worried I’ll be stuck on 8 hours forever.

Is it the same hours each week?

My colleague works there at weekends and likes it.

I think they will offer more shifts as other members of staff are on annual leave, or quit.

I know someone who works for Waitrose, and is sometimes able to get extra hours, around peoples holidays, etc. It really is a good company to work for.

if it’s like most shops/supermarkets they give you a short contract and then offer extra hours as required by the business.

It’s easier to get a job with a job than without one. So even if you don’t like the work or it’s not enough hours, it will be easier to find something new and move on once you’ve been there a few months.

If you’ve been out of the workforce that long I’d jump at it. Do it for a while then ask if you can up your hours and/or use it as a springboard to find another job, now with something current on your CV.

I would have thought you'd be able to pick up more hours/days in the longer term. My daughter works for them and has done for about 14 years, started as a Saturday job and has just become a manager. There are some nice perks available to partners too.

I started on 8 hours a week. They were very flexible and supportive when my relationship broke down and I could easily have gone full time if the hours had suited (they didn’t because, kids). There was overtime available regularly and when I left I was working 17 hours a week but had switched from evenings, to nights, to days, to weekends and they were incredibly flexible. I was there 9 years so it can’t have been too bad.

Not the same but I work at Asda, we got some new people in November and they were all given 8 hour contracts, all of them are now working 4/5 days a week, so hopefully, oh literally depends on the store and their need for staff, is it a superstore, if so you could possibly ask if you could move to a department that has more hours available, for example in my store, front end is over spent on hours but click and collect are crying out for people

I don’t know about Waitrose particularly, but I suspect they just a part time contract available now, and once you are in the door and if you’re a good and reliable worker you will hear about opportunities for bigger contracts. I would give it a go, be a good worker and if you like it make sure they know you’re in the market to increase your hours if an opportunity comes up.

You've done well to get a job. Hang on to it for a couple of months and see if the hours increase. You can apply for other jobs at the same time if you urgently need more hours. Meanwhile you are getting experience.

As a former employment advisor, don’t think too hard upon your hours just yet. Congratulations on getting this job with a good company and just enjoy the benefits (including mental health) of working. Once you’re comfortable there and the number of hours is still an issue, figure your approach then. In the meantime, you’re building up a valuable work history for your CV!

Thanks so much for so many reassuring comments. It’s a permanent contract and the same hours each week, 2 four hour shifts. I realise as it’s my first job in so long I can’t be too choosy. Hopefully it will lead to more opportunities once I’m in or else I can keep looking and use it as experience.

You get really good discounts after a while at Waitrose and John Lewis.

Congratulations on your job . It will vary store to store, DS picks up overtime to cover holidays and has picked up extra contacted shifts as people have left .

Exactly what I was going to say!

There are lots of postives here - it's a well known and reputable brand and starting off with 8 hours might not be a bad thing to get used to working again.

Good luck, OP!

It is really natural to freak out a bit, just start and if you don’t like it you can move in 6 months to a year! You’ll have ramped back in to the world of paid work and got your head back in the game.

Show willing and once you've been there a month or so, ask your line manager. Well done for getting into the workforce - such a lovely company, too!

I worked for a supermarket and my base hours were 16 hours a week. However, I ended up doing more than that due to staff sickness, or people resigning. Just make sure that your manager is aware that you would like extra shifts if they become available 🙂

Hey I work for Waitrose! It was my first job after being a SAHM for 10 years. You will be fine. Yes it’s pretty grim working in Retail these days but I love my co ‘partners’, majority of which are Mums’s working there for the flexibility and of course the discount!

I took the 3 late night replen shifts on offer but managed to change within 6 months to daytime payment.
Feel free to PM with any questions

Thanks all, I’m feeling much more positive now. Just waiting hear from them, I’m supposed to be starting on Friday according to my contract. They haven’t said anything about uniform yet so I’m slightly worried about what to wear… I live in joggers and T-shirts usually ! I think I’ll need to email today and find out what’s next. I haven’t had any contact since last Friday when I had to send passport etc.

It's worth it for the discount alone! Congratulations OP, one step at a time.

Hi, I've been offered a job at Waitrose as a silver medalist candidate Ithought I'd never get in but got a call today !! The shifts are late finishes (11.45) and I'm worried i will be tired . My kids are older , youngest is 15 .
Looking for reassurance I'm doing the right thing as I'm currently a dinner lady and TA bit need something different and more hours !

Well done! I had similar concerns as I was doing 3 x 7 - 23.30 shifts back to back, also working during the day.
yes I was tired but sort of got used to it and was able to change my shifts within 6 months.