Should I increase my hours when encouraged to do so?

[wonderingwhattodo50]

I’m 50 with a 13 yo dd. I work part time in a senior role but have found typically that I am working full time hours for part time pay.

My boss has noticed this and asked me if I want to officially increase my hours so I get paid more as he knows I am doing a full time role anyway.

the reason I haven’t increased to date is because I have a long commute to the office and if I worked full time I may have to attend more often. I don’t want to do this.

My Dd is likely to need me more as she gets older too with gcses etc. DH works in a demanding job too.

im also in a targets driven role and increased hours also means increased targets and pressure.

BUT.. I do feel that I’m a bit stupid for working so much and not being paid for that when I see my full time colleagues earning much more than me and I’m also conscious that I have to maximize my earning potential at this age. I also think my boss has suggested it because he thinks it will help me progress up a few more tiers longer term.

Im already in a senior position and it’s not a role that you can just not work on non working days if the work is there and needs doing so I do frequently have to work those days and more.

but when the work isn’t there ( which is rare admittedly) I do benefit from having my days off, spending time with my dd and currently I have the flexibility which I know if go back FT I will not have

Can you do any WFH, if you increased hours and did some WFH?

If you’re doing the hours, get paid for them.

The benefits of increasing hours outweigh the benefits of not.

It’ll also benefit your pension contributions, bonus and holiday allowance.

How many hours are you paid for at the moment, how many do you actually do over that (currently unpaid) and what hours is your boss suggesting?

Seems to me they are being very fair in suggesting that they pay you properly.

Do you currently meet the higher level of targets?

Yes i am far exceeding targets so probably at full time targets.

I do already wfh a couple of days a week but company policy might change to go in more often ( there is pro rated requirement for part time staff)

Also no pension or bonus considerations so that doesn’t make any difference.

holidays also not that important

Just agree but say your contract needs to be adjusted to state the (new) total days wfh.

So if you currently work 4 days and two are wfh, you will increase to five days with three wfh.

You can do a formal flexible working request for reduced office time if that would make you feel more confident. Also you don't have to go 100% if you don't want to, up it but not FT and see how you feel?

Agree with @Bluenotgreen

It's an opportunity to formalise a working pattern that benefits you and means you're getting paid for your hours.

Clearly the boss values you and your work.
If they say no, at least you know where you stand & can keep to your current hours & pattern.

I was working 4 days and similarly sometimes ended up working on my non working day. I thought I might as well go back full time.

what a huge mistake that was. I ended up working 6 days a week instead.

Have you had this full conversation with your boss? That's where I would start.

This is what worries me!

Although if I do go back full time i would get a good chunk after tax

Can you stop working the unpaid hours? Get strict with your time management.

I was teaching full time -hours were brutal. One year I did 0.8. I worked on my day off so I could get my weekend back. Non- teaching mates thought I was mad, but it suited me

Tricky one. But 4 days gives you more flexibility. You could go up to 4.5 maybe?