Asking for flexible work schedule?

Question

I applied for a position where I currently work. Right now, I have it easy (from 8am to 3pm). I take classes in the late afternoon, unrelated to my work.

In my interview, one person asked about my current schedule. I (stupidly?) said that if the job was offered to me, I would probably be able to work regular hours, like 7 to 4.

Because of how far I live and my classes that I take, the best schedule that I could work out would be probably 7:30 to 3:30pm. It would take me about 1.5 hours commuting each way. I don't care about getting a lunch break (I am used to working thru lunch) and I have no problems working from home, responding to emails, etc. I do this already anyway.

The dept is close to offering me a position (per HR person). If/when they offer, can I try negotiating? People in dept work 7-4, 8-5, 7:30-4, a whole mixed bag. 7:30 to 3:30 would be"ideal" (not as great as now, but whatev). 7 to 3:30 would be okay...

Answer 1

First, you've already agreed to work from 7 to 4 when you said that in your interview. While, down the road, you may be able to arrange an adjustment for one or two days a week don't expect it to be a regular thing. Depending on their needs there may not be a lot of room to negotiate as they may need you there from 7 to 4 and may be unduly inconvenienced by letting you come to work half an hour late and leave half an hour early (experience shows that HR positions are typically busier right when the employees show up in the morning and just before the business closes).

Next, be careful about the whole skipping lunch thing. Asides from whatever laws exist for your state there are federal regulations which require employees to have a lunch break after so much time is worked. To protect themselves most legitimate businesses have policies which require their employees to take their lunch break before a certain time. While you may occassionally be allowed to work through lunch, don't expect it to be the rule.

This was certainly something that should have been discussed during the interview. Remember, the business' first concern is in meeting their needs, not yours. If their needs are better served by someone who's less experienced but more available than they'll choose the person who's available. You have to decide what's more important, your schooling or your job. If it's your job than you have to work your classes around your work schedule no matter how inconvenient it may be. You might even check into distance learning and computer based programs which you could do at home in your own time rather than being locked into a schedule. If schooling is more important than you need to find a job that will accomodate your classes and be up front about this. Bringing it up after the fact will only get your job started on the wrong foot.

Answer 2

Seems to me like you really want this job. On the other hand, your studies are equally important to you. Finding the right balance between work and life issues is never perfect and often a matter of priorities and compromise.

The way I see it, you first have to be honest with yourself and decide what are the hours that you believe you could live with over time. Then be honest with your employer: tell them that you are very interested in the position, believe you could contribute, are willing to put in time at home when needed but owing to your studies would like them to consider the possibility of your working between hours X and Y.

There's nothing wrong with negotiating if you know what you can live with and if you perceive your employer as flexible, so long as it doesn't negatively affect the workplace and your own personal issues, i.e. your studies.

Wishing you good luck in pursuing this position.

Nancy
Kappix
http://www.kappix.com

Answer 3

Well you need certain hours and it is easier to negotiate these before you start.

If you don't actually have to be at the office at any particular time, then most offices and managers are fairly flexible. In fact, if you ask for it at the beginning it is easy to get.

Just explain what you need and ask if it is possible to get it. Make sure that your supervisor agrees (not somebody in HR) otherwise you could end up with problems.

They either agree or disagree. Then you have to decide which is more important, the new job or your study.

Answer 4

No, there are no laws requiring your employer to change schedules. It depends on your contract, too. I agree that you should speak to your supervisor. If you are a reliable worker, she will not want to lose you and if she can, she will probably try to accommodate you.