Hours of work halved.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 12,2023 at 2:12AM UTC

   First of all, the boss seems to be putting an undue burden on you. This is a budget choice out of your control. Of course, you signed up to work 40 hours a week as per your contract and that is what you want to do. It sounds a bit like they want to make it easier for them by having you agree so it is YOUR choice. But losing income for non-personal reasons is rarely a person's choice. So, please recognize that even the question is unfair. Second, if the boss is saying this it seems unlikely it is a true choice that you will be able to disagree to and keep your hours. So, I would go into the meeting clearly stating that you wish to continue working 40 hours but also go prepared with specific questions. For example, what does a reduction in hours do for your benefits, PTO, and other non-salary part of your job. How will your actual work be impacted? If you are project based, what projects will you keep? Also, decide before hand, what you will do IF the boss says that your hours will be cut. Do you want to keep working there for 20 hours a week? The more you can think through all these things before you go into the meeting, the more prepared you will be for the boss' response. Then, politely tell them that "My contract is for 40 hours a week and I would like to continue working those hours." You do not have to give a reason like to pay my mortgage, etc. State it calmly and matter-of-a-fact. If you think you can be valuable to get the numbers to turn around and make the business profitable, add that in as well. Stick to the facts, don't embellish or be emotional and let the boss talk.

2. Heather (she/her)November 12,2023 at 11:23AM UTC

   The best path forward is honesty here. He said you were under no obligation, and you need to be clear with him that you agreed to the contract because of the full-time work, and that you'd be happy to talk through with him other ways that you might be able to support the company and fill your time. Just be careful not to agree to anything that is going to have you working more than your 40 hours, and if he does offer more work, make sure you get a revised contract that clarifies the new agreement.

3. AnonymousNovember 12,2023 at 2:43PM UTC

   I had this happen at a previous job. Not only were they cutting hours but it was our belief they were also cutting corners in other ways that affected us. They didn’t ask they just cut hours. It will more than likely only get worse. I eventually had to give a immediate resignation to take something that would pay the bills so to speak. The company eventually closed their other location. My advice is to stand your ground and start looking elsewhere for a more stable company. How dare he ask you if you are ok with less hours to save them money!

4. Prins CowinNovember 13,2023 at 2:14AM UTC

   Tell him you worked the numbers and you cannot work part-time. You are dependent on your full income. Then immediately start looking for a new job as they are likely going to shut down anyway. You might come to work only to find the doors locked. A friend just went on vacation. While he was gone, he received a text saying the company was closing and when he gets back from vacation to call to arrange a day and time to pick up his things. Start looking now.

5. AnonymousNovember 13,2023 at 12:18PM UTC

   Negotiate to 30 as a minimum, if you can. Remember your contract may have a clause that it could just end as the result of the needs of the business.

6. AnonymousNovember 13,2023 at 1:17PM UTC

   I think maybe the missing half of this conversation is that if you don’t accept the part time, they’ll be no work. It’s a very likely possibility so I would tread very carefully. And, you should ask that question: “If I say no, do I lose my job?”

7. AnonymousNovember 17,2023 at 8:02PM UTC

   So an update. Thanks everyone for your comments and advice.

   The boss had a meeting with a part time colleague (she works 8-12 hours a week) and myself and told both of us that both our jobs were going, and a new part time role of 20 hours a week was being created which will incorporate all the tasks that we both currently carry out between us. The part timer has handed in her notice and is leaving next month. I have accepted the part-time hours and have to have a meeting to work out what times of the day I will be covering. I will continue to look for a full time job, but won't tell them that!

8. Tamar AuberNovember 20,2023 at 3:07PM UTC

   I think it is a great plan on your part to continue looking for a full time role! I am sorry that this was handled this way for you and the part-time colleague. But I am glad you have work until you find something full time!

9. Stephanie LekowskiNovember 19,2023 at 5:16PM UTC

   I would agree to part time because it's better than getting laid off or fired; that way you can look for a full time opportunity while you're still getting paid if the situation looks endless and you're unhappy. Just make sure you're not getting part time pay for full time effort; sometimes employers will ask or expect employees to "stay later just this once", which turns into several times a month while only having to pay them a fraction of what they were earning. If that turns out to be the case definitely work on getting out of there- it's not going to get better.