Anonymous wrote:I need to arrive an hour late and leave 30 mins early for the next two weeks. This is child care related while my spouse is basically deployed. My employer said they 'can't' allow it. I've offered to use PTO or make up the hours later at night.
I've been here for 8 years and literally never once called in sick.
Short of just saying 'f^^k you' and walking, what can I do?
Some companies would not be okay with this for every day even for only 2 weeks. I am surprised you can't use PTO. I allowed flexibility on my team, but the person didn't need it every day of the week, just 3 days for a few weeks (their school also had an issue with the after care program). The first day they actually didn't sign back on, so I talked with them said their work phone needed to be on and answered if a call came through and they needed to get their work done. I allowed it for another team member who abused it, so they weren't allowed the flexibility anymore.
At my spouse's company unless you are a super star you aren't usually allowed that much flexibility and are meant to use PTO. The occasional sick kid/ plumbing issue is fine, but that means once in awhile. He tried allowing someone flexibility for a week when their spouse was away and they had a sick kid at home, but were still able to work. A nosy admin not even on their team complained to HR about it! It varies by employer.
Look into after/before care at school. Ask a high schooler, neighbor, or another parent. Ask the school itself if they have any options or know of anything/a list where parents can help one another out. Do you know a SAHP you could ask for help and offer to pay them a little bit of $? I moved to PT for a short period last year and ended up helping a few parents who were in a bind. I didn't accept $, but one reciprocated on a weekend which was really nice. You could also offer to drive their kids to soccer or somewhere you share an activity as a "thank you."
I would look elsewhere though since it doesn't even seem like they are meeting you halfway here.