Part-Time Work: Tough Choice? Not Really.

Posted by Charlene Prince Birkeland

Does it come as any surprise that more working moms prefer part-time work over full-time work? I'm not going to delve into the numbers and details of this Pew Research report. As we know with all studies, numbers only say so much. But I mean, really, does this come as such a shock?  Any working mom I chat with wants the best of both worlds: to further her career/utilize her education/contribute to the family's income while still being able to enjoy all the wonders of motherhood. Working part time -- when it's done successfully -- can satisfy this goal.

Are you a mom with a part-time work situation? Would you ever go back to full-time work?

I think Self-Made Mom really captures the essentials of a good part-time working mom. An understanding boss, great co-workers, and solid childcare are key to making it work.

The transition from full-time work to part-time work can take time, and you may fumble...I know I did. I actually was working part-time shortly after returning from maternity leave. And I went back to full time because of one reason: I had a difficult time letting go of work on my days off.

My tip? On your "off" days, own your time. Own it. Do not let your employer steal those hours from you. I know this sounds dramatic and harsh, but just trust me on this one. If you let it happen once, it will happen again and again. Those "I really hate to bother you" calls will be happening all the time

I started with a 32-hour work week, but my work-load wasn't reduced to match my new hours. I ended up working on my days off because my co-workers and boss were calling me...and I made the mistake of answering their questions or dealing with their crises. I checked my email. I still had my team-required pager. And I'd respond to pages. It let my colleagues know that even though I was technically "off," I was still making myself available for work. I didn't want them to think I was just another woman "on the mom track." It was ridiculous, I know, but I was a new mom and learning to navigate some very turbulent and biased waters. The end goal of spending more time with my son was never achieved, and I was guilt-ridden (surprise!).

I ended up switching back to a 40-hour work week so I could at least get paid for the work I was doing. But after six more months of chaos and utter sadness and missing my son, I decided I had to either work part time -- and really work part time -- or quit.

I pitched a new scenario to my boss, where my job focus would be different to accommodate a 24-hour week scenario. I had a set schedule. And I made it clear that on my days off, I was completely unreachable. I was no longer going to give them my free time. And, most importantly, I was true to my word.  On those two blessed days off, I turned my cell phone and pager off. I didn't turn on my laptop until the night before I was to return to work, just to make sure there weren't any major fires to put out.  Now, there were special occasions where I did have to work on a day off, typically for a special event. But I usually asked weeks in advance if I could make myself available. I never felt obligated to come in on those days, but because my team  had respected and supported my work schedule, I genuinely wanted to return the favor by helping out. To  me, that was teamwork at it's finest.

If you jump to the conclusion that I was in a position that wasn't essential, you're wrong. I'll say that my "new" job focus ended up being one of the most vital parts of the team.  And I was damn lucky that my manager supported me and let me create this brand new role. I don't share this to toot my own horn; remember, I ended up leaving the company! My point is that you can be a strong and important contributer at work and still work part time.

Here's another secret. While I know you're never supposed to say "never," after working part time, I don't know what I could ever work full time again...even when my boys are both in school. When you work part time, you become super efficient at your job. You get your work done, and you're out.

If you really do manage to tune your job out on your off days, you have time to enjoy life.

That wasn't really a tough decision to make.

Comments

[Selfmademom]

Hooray for this post!! I obviously whole-heartedly agree. I take my days off and while I check my e-mail, and OK maybe sometimes conduct the occasional conf call, I'm otherwise OFF. It'd make me crazy any other way!

[Izzy]

I can honestly say I hope to NEVER work full-time again if I don't need to. Excellent post!

It was great to see you at BlogHer 07 but WAY TOO CHAOTIC. We never had a chance to really talk, even for two minutes! W

[Saint Amy Jane]

I am working part time at the moment and I am going to take on a couple other part time jobs. All the hours will accommodate my schedule and I still won't need before or after school care for my 9 year old daughter.

[tasha]

my son is only 4 months old and i dont want to leave him in daycare until he's old enough to tell me what goes on there.... does anyone know of any jobs where i can take him with me?

[Mira]

Hi,

Am Mrs Mira, am searching for a part time job in mauritius.

Please help.

Regards

Mira

[smith]

my son is only 6 months old and i don't want to leave him in daycare until he is old enough to tell me what goes on there.... does anyone know of any jobs where i can take him with me?

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mario

[brianna102]

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brianna

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