How to Switch From Full-Time to Part-Time Without Losing Your Job

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AnnaMarie Houlis4.87k
Journalist & travel blogger
Updated: 2/2/2022
  • If you're preparing to downsize your hours at work from full time to part time, have a conversation with your supervisor and if approved, write a proper resignation letter outlining your new hours.
  • Like all resignation letters, you should expresses your gratitude for what you've accomplished and learned from them thus far, and be sure to include your contact details so your employer can talk further with you on the subject matter.
So you want to move from full time to part time, and you're working up a letter resignation letter to help you do just that. But what exactly do you write in a resignation letter, when you're not formally quitting, rather, you're cutting back your hours? How do you craft a resignation letter that suggests you want to indeed quit your full-time hours, but that you still are going to work at least a few hours?

While you should generally try to communicate your desired change from a full-time to part-time position in order in a conversation, you may nevertheless still want to formalize this change via a written letter. This is not always necessary, depending on the size and type of employer you have; they may also have the Human Resources department do so. However, if you are in a situation where you need to write a letter, you may want to consider certain things.
Here is an example of a resignation letter for moving from  full time to part time, broken down by element so that you can better understand how to write a resignation letter of your own. To follow is also how to set up a meeting to talk about your resignation from your full-time hours, or how to send the email to discuss the matter.

Why is a resignation letter from full time to part time necessary?

If you're preparing to downsize your hours at work from full time to part time, then the professional, appropriate and courteous thing to do would be to write up a proper resignation letter, after having had a conversation with your supervisor (where you come to an agreement about your part time move). 
Formal documentation is often necessary for HR, and it's also a good way to confirm with your employers that you're making this move.

What do you say in a resignation letter from full time to part time?

A resignation letter that confirms your move from full time to part time is similar to a traditional resignation letter you would send when you're preparing to leave a company, but there is one key difference: You're not quitting. Instead, you're just confirming with your employer that you'll be downsizing the number of hours you work.
Like all resignation letters, you should be sure to write concisely and stick to the facts. You should also include a section that expresses your gratitude for what you've accomplished and learned from them thus far, but this time as well as for their consideration. And, lastly, you also should be sure to include your contact details so your employer can talk further with you on the subject matter.

What's an example of a resignation letter from full time to part time?

Here is an example of a resignation letter from full time to part time that should help you understand how to craft one of your own if you're in a similar situation.
Dear [Employer Name],
I am reaching out to confirm that I will be downsizing my hours from my full-time [Job Role] position to a part-time position. Since I am returning to school to obtain my Master's Degree in the fall, my schedule will only allow me to work part-time hours, [X Hours Per Week]. As such, my last day as a full-time employee will be [Specific Date]. Starting the following day, I will be beginning my new part-time schedule.
I greatly appreciate your consideration and understanding, as well as your patience and cooperation with me during this time. I am looking forward to going back to school to strengthen my skills and, ultimately, help advance in my career here. During my last week as a full-time employee, I will do my best to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I'll work as hard as usual.
If there's anything else I can do in the meantime or if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at [Phone Number] or [Email]. 
I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue working at [Company Name] with reduced hours. I've truly enjoyed my time here, and I look forward to what the future holds for my educational and professional career. 
Thank you,
[Name]
[Signature]
[Title]
[Company Name]
As you can see, the aforementioned resignation letter has several key elements:
  • An address to your employer
  • A clear opening that states the exact intent of the letter
  • A specific reason as to why you're cutting down your hours
  • A specific new number of hours you plan to work
  • A specific end/start date to your full- and part-time position, respectively
  • An expression of your appreciation for your employer's consideration
  • Your contact information should your employer have any questions of concerns
  • A closing thank-you statement
  • A signature

When should you send a resignation letter from full time to part time?

You should send your resignation letter for moving from full time to part time after having a discussion with your supervisor. 

How should you discuss your resignation letter from full time to part time?

Now that you have a resignation letter from full time to part time, what do you do with it? Well, you'll have to send it to your employer. You can do this by dropping it in their mailbox or by sending them an email with the letter (this is a much more efficient way of communicating). 
Otherwise, you should plan to do as you said you would in your letter. Act accordingly, and just be sure that you do your best to keep communication lines open.
Good luck with the move!
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This article reflects the views of the author and not necessarily those of Fairygodboss.

AnnaMarie Houlis is a multimedia journalist for a gamut of both online and print publications, as well as an adventure aficionado and travel blogger at HerReport.org. She covers all things women's empowerment — from navigating the workplace to navigating the world. She writes about everything from gender issues in the workforce to gender issues all across the globe.

Have you ever resigned from your full-time role into a part-time one? Share any advice you have to help other Fairygodboss members!

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