Health issues require a reasonable work-life balance

Question

I'm a freelance writer/producer. I'm being considered for an ongoing remote gig as a senior writer that pays competitively and promises '20+ hours a week'. I'm fast, efficient, and experienced -- usually faster than younger writers because I spent 25 years in broadcast and print newsrooms. For the past 8 years I've been a freelance content creator. But, when I researched employee reviews on Glassdoor, I found that both positive and negative reviews mentioned the company tends to demand 50+ hours a week. They are actively courting me and I really like the gig, but I cannot physically work beyond 30 hours every week or I'll be very ill,  compromising my peak performance -- the main reason they're aggressively pursuing me.  Again, I'm faster than most and can knock out articles and scripts and I can work more hours on occasion but, for my health's sake, I can't do it regularly. I want to ensure they don't give me what I need in lip service and fudge on the deal they advertised on the job description. I would like to put my maximum work hours requirement in writing. How do I hold them to their job description of 20+ hours?

Simply Curious · Answer

Company reviews can be different from what your manager actually cares about so I'd keep an open mind. I would absolutely take an interview and ask very important questions about what's expected. Remember, you're interviewing them as much as they're interviewing you!

Anonymous · Answer

If you get your job done, hours shouldn't matter — but that might depend on your manager.

I don't think it'd hurt to be upfront about how important your time is. No matter what, it sounds like you can still freelance but I wouldn't let that prevent yourself from pursuing an opportunity!

Lady Pele · Answer

It doesn't hurt to talk to them.  During interviews, you can say that you are happy to consider a part-time position, but go on to explain that part-time for you produces more than less experienced people produce as full-time employees.  If it comes down to an offer, ask that the offer letter include that it is a part-time position.

As an FYI, The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines part-time status as working on average between one and 34 hours per week.  Interestingly, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) defines full-time as working, on average, at least 30 hours per week.

Health issues require a reasonable work-life balance

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