take federal job for 40 hours or stay part-time (32 hours)?

[Anonymous]

I work in a federal agency on a non-federal one-year contract that's been renewed several times. I currently work 32 hours a week (off Fridays), which I love because I have small kids (1 and 5 years old).

Recently the federal version of my job (exact same job description) posted. I competed for it and got an offer. My manager and my unit director knew I'd like to stay part-time and said no problem. I was just negotiating minor things like step increases and manager calls back and says she's incredibly sorry but HR has denied me the option to stay part-time. It's 40 hours or nothing.

So: I can take the 40 hour, federal job. Or I can say no, and stay on a renewable contract (same work content, same pay) and stay part-time. They can promise me employment thru summer 2019. After that, it's likely but not guaranteed.

I am having trouble deciding! The federal job would be great to have. I'd have job security. I could apply for other federal jobs in the future. But I'm also crushed to have to think I won't be spending that day each week with my 1-year-old. (But he'll grow up soon, so...maybe I should look long-term?)

Spouse thinks I should take the fed job and since my manager is understanding, request an AWS schedule so I'd at least have every other Friday at home with the kid. But that means longer days in the office....so I wouldn't see the little ones for very long at all in the evenings before bed.

Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

At worst it’s 8 hours ... take the fed job

[Anonymous]

Can you do 40 hours but work an alternate schedule with 10-hr days 4 days per week?

[Anonymous]

Take the Fed position. No brainer.

[Anonymous]

Take the Fed position.

[Anonymous]

I would ask for telework but take the fed job. I think contractors are going to be hit hard soon. We aren't renewing a lot of our contractor contracts.

[Anonymous]

Will they agree to reconsider the part-time request after a certain time period (e.g., 6 months)?

[Anonymous]

I was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. I'm glad I took the long-term fed job. The benefits are much better than we had before.

[Anonymous]

Will they agree to reconsider the part-time request after a certain time period (e.g., 6 months)?

OP here. They will not. They said they will not reconsider after 90 days or other future time period.

I wouldn't want to try 4-10 hour days because, with my commute (Metro and walking) it's 45 mins-1 hour each way. Unless they're willing to allow more telework.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Will they agree to reconsider the part-time request after a certain time period (e.g., 6 months)?

Yes, once you are in, it is more likely you can make this happen. Also, check and see if they can bring you on with more leave. Plus flexible schedules and teleworking can really help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will they agree to reconsider the part-time request after a certain time period (e.g., 6 months)?

Yes, once you are in, it is more likely you can make this happen. Also, check and see if they can bring you on with more leave. Plus flexible schedules and teleworking can really help.

NP but no way. You can't go back on what you were hired under. At least not in my Department. We don't have part time positions at all.

[Anonymous]

Ask if you can telework one day and time shift. Perhaps you can telework Fridays from 1-9pm so you can spend Friday morning with your 1 yo, put him down for nap and then start your work day. Then you only need a few hours coverage until your husband gets home and can feed and watch the kids until your Friday work day is done.

[Anonymous]

I would take it. They probably can't make it part time, because they will then lose the full time position.

I don't know which agency, but many are liberal with telework after a probationary period. I totally get that it's not ideal with little ones, but doing some telework will cut down on the time you lose with little ones due to commute. If you have a separate office area in your home, you could get a babysitter those days and still have breakfast, lunch and dinner with your kids. With the hiring freezes that are so prevalent right now, this opportunity may not come up again in the near future. Long term, the benefits and vacation time are very good for families.

[Anonymous]

I personally would take it. I am not a Fed, but I am in a job that requires long hours and is only moderately well-paid. I would take a guaranteed 40 hours (as long as it really is only 40 hours) in a heartbeat. IMO it’s a good compromise. By the way I’ve tried part time, and in my experience part time means full time hours for part time pay.

[Anonymous]

Fed job all the way. It's only 8 more hours.