working more hours in less days- flexible work schedule

[Anonymous]

When I took my job, I asked if I could have a flexible work schedule, working more hours in less days. They told me they'd rather me be a more visible face and kind of brushed it off. I am TTC now and feel strongly that I want to do this. I am also in a nice position in that I took someone's job who was unbelievable incompetent, at best, and all I hear every day is how amazing I am, how I have transformed the place, etc. I kind of want to say, no, I'm not amazing, the people before me just didn't do their job. So, to put it lightly, I am a VERY valued employee and I know that they would freak out if I were to leave. The truth, though, is that the more hours = less days thing is really not even about TTC, I just want to do it for me. Is there any point to bringing it up during my review, saying look - I've proven myself, I have done an awesome job here, but I really am looking for a more flexible schedule and I'd appreciate the opportunity to do what I suggested when I accepted the job with more hours/less days? Or should I just wait until (if?) I become pregnant and then bring it up. Part of me thinks I should wait because at least I'd have a "reason". My DH thinks that's dumb because they don't care about my child care situation, but I don't know, I kind of feel differently- like they would think, okay, she's not just being difficult, she can only work x days per week, we really want to keep her, let's do this.. and if I asked now they'd know it was pure laziness on my part. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

FWIW, most people I know with kids do not work the compressed schedules. The more hours per day often means you don't see very much of your kids. For many people it's easier to juggle schedules with a spouse (one does drop off one does pick up). People do like to work from home 1-2 days a week if they can, but you still need child care.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, it would be nice to do four days a week and have an extra day at home, but that means you basically don't see your kid at all for the four days, which sucks.

I would wait until you get pregnant and before your leave negotiate a different schedule. Some good options for parents are to stagger a schedule with your husband, see if you can telecommute one day a week, work 35-36 hours a week instead of 40, etc.

[Anonymous]

OP,
I am only correcting this to spare you grammatical embarrassment if you make this request in writing.
It is fewer days.

[Anonymous]

Just to echo what PPs have said, once you have kids you may find a flexible work schedule is not a good idea. I would rather see my kids 3 hours per day Monday-Friday than not at all Monday to Thursday and all day Friday.

[Anonymous]

Why would you want every other Friday off, instead of an extra hour each day with your kids?

Do you know that many babies go to bed quite early, say 7 pm, and working more hours might mean you'd go several nights in a row without seeing a baby?

[Anonymous]

You can certainly ask, but they've made it pretty clear that they want you to put in face time, and you accepted the job knowing that. I agree with PPs that I would wait until you actually have a baby, as your request will seem more reasonable and you will have a better idea whether it's what you really want. There's no point in fighting for it just to change your mind.

FWIW, I have a very flexible schedule, so long as I put in 24 hours per week. I almost always spread it over four days rather than three, because otherwise I would not get to see my DS almost at all on workdays.

[Anonymous]

I solved this dilemma by going to 8 hrs/4 days a week. Slightly less pay but much more time with my kids. If this is feasible for you (and your company), give it a shot!