I am 63 years old and not ready to retire yet, but also would prefer to work less than 40 hours per week.

9 Comments

1. AnonymousMarch 2,2026 at 8:25PM UTC

   You know these people better than we do. Definitely approach when your boss is likely to be in a good mood, not when the boss is upset or stressed . Would it go over well if you asked "how would you like to still have my assistance with [whatever projects you do} but pay less? I would like to spend more time vacationing/resting/exercising/volunteering/spending time with kids/grandkids (or whatever you're looking forward to doing with your time). Could we work it out so that starting in (whatever month you want to go part-time), I work 3 days a week or 20 hours a week?" It sounds like a win-win if they still have your assistance but no longer have to provide benefits and can pay less, while you have more free time for whatever you like to do.

2. Jennifer Chickenlittle RubberchickenMarch 4,2026 at 1:28PM UTC

   I am exactly your age and I wouldn't ask to be part time, I would ask to be partially remote. Then see how that goes. Because being remote would gain you more flexibility and then you could see if it is worth losing your entire position.

3. SPQMarch 4,2026 at 3:43PM UTC

   Usually a GM is a people leader with direct reports that work FT. It might send the wrong optics if you work PT and they work FT.

   Maybe ask to return to a consultant type position to continue with one time projects. Or, I would ask to be a paid part time Board member. If feels like your heart is not in the right place to want to see through partnering with your boss to set forth enduring strategy and execution.

4. AnonymousMarch 4,2026 at 4:47PM UTC

   Create a Rubric that shows your work from start to now. Explain to them that you can do this role in perhaps 4 days a week. Make the one day that you do not work be perhaps Fridays and since you are the GM show them how you can be productive in the other days but that day needs to be a total blackout. If you had hoped to be down to say 20 hours per week elect a lieutenant to be your strong number 2 and groom them to replace or at least be your eyes and ears during the time away. Only take emergency calls from them if there is business stopping needs during your away time. It is definitely doable but come into the conversation with a plan put together that covers costs, staffing, urgencies and budgets. Be prepared to give up some money if you do this as they are likely to want you to.

5. AnonymousMarch 4,2026 at 6:54PM UTC

   If you have direct reports that are there 5 days per week, that would be a tough sell for me if I was your manager.

   It's been my experience that you'd still get calls on a Friday if you changed your hours to 4 days per week.

   I think you should proceed carefully...it's tough economic times.

   When I read your post I thought that the manager would think, "hmmm, maybe I could hire someone cheaper because the job is more people manager in the day-to-day management of the team or promote somebody to lead and hire a project manager on an as-needed basis."

   Reducing your hours would be better to 4 days per week but I'd hesitate in framing it the way you have here.

   They will 100% want you to give up some money.

6. AnonymousMarch 5,2026 at 1:45PM UTC

   You may not be eligible for the employer health benefits if you drop below full time or I believe 30 hours in the US.

   Otherwise, I'd start with identifying your successor or having a plan in place. That might make switching you back to a consultant or PT a little easier.

   Have you mentioned this at all or hinted? You could try informing your boss in a 1:1 about your succession plan and see how they react.

   Otherwise, before you have the discussion have a plan in place for yourself financially. If they reject your part time request, then you may need to be ready to return to consulting or fractional work.

7. T DeStefanoMarch 5,2026 at 1:48PM UTC

   Shortly after my oldest was born (he’s 16 now) I asked to go to 4 days a week. I took a 20% pay cut and made it clear that I was available. For emergencies and would check emails, etc when not in the office. There were occasions I would need to work or take a zoom meeting in my “off day” but I would take a different day “off” or leave a bit early the next week.

   i worked for 4 different employers over those 16 years and everyone agreed to that schedule!

   It’s important that the employer trusts you and your work ethic, but it can’t hurt to ask. Be prepared with a list of accomplishments , examples of your reliability and accessibility when out of the office. If the immediate answer is no, ask for a 6 month trial period.

   Good luck!

8. Jacqueline CutlerMarch 5,2026 at 4:36PM UTC

   I would make a detailed list of what you have accomplished. And I would have specifics for what you want. How many hours a week, which days? You now know the employer's cycles and when it is busiest, so use that knowledge to offer to work during crunch times and show how it would benefit them to allow this. I would also be prepared if they ask whether you will stay if they do not grant the request. Good luck. (I am a few years older, and get it.)

9. Kim PfeifferMarch 5,2026 at 5:05PM UTC

   Approach it in how it's best for the company. Tell them how there's not really enough to fill 40 hours and you feel bad because they're paying for more. Tell them you'll work more as needed. If they mention hiring someone else full time if you go part time, tell them it will cost them more in the long run for training, benefits, vacation, and they still won't receive 40 hours worth of work.