Dear Liz,
I have a dilemma at work. I started this job on a part-time basis, but several people quit and they made me full-time.
Now I need to go back to part-time status again, so I can finish my degree. I would like to start classes again in September but the courses I need are only offered in the daytime.
My boss "Chip" is not a terrible person but he is a stubborn, stodgy guy who doesn't like changes. He will freak out if I ask him to reduce my hours.
Even though people quit this job regularly, Chip thinks we are lucky to work here. He always says "I'm such an easy-going guy, you kids are lucky to have me as your supervisor!" He's kind of kidding, but he also truly believes he's easy to work for, which he is not.
Our department includes a lot of young people, including other students. When they are part-time, they get a lot of schedule flexibility but when they are full-time employees, like me, they don't get any flexibility.
I am the longest-term employee in the department and the only full-time person. I know our procedures in and out. I know Chip relies on me totally, but he definitely doesn't show it.
I need to keep this job until I graduate because it pays pretty well. I know I will give up most of my employee benefits when I move back to part-time but I'm willing to do it.
They say "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission." Should I simply inform Chip that I'm going to sign up for classes and I can no longer work Tuesday and Friday mornings? He might get mad that I didn't ask him in advance.
If I ask him in advance, he's sure to say "No, you can't cut back your hours because I need you here."
What should I do?
Thanks,
Florence
Dear Florence,
Most of the time-honored adages we know, including "It's easier to get forgiveness than permission," have one thing in common. They are true up to a point -- but context is the key! In other words, it depends. There are risks worth taking at work and other risks that are not.
The risk in your situation is that Chip can't deal with your scheduling needs, and cuts you loose. No rational manager would do that.
Given what you've said about Chip's curmudgeonly ways, I would seriously consider letting him know that you've been to see the Registrar at school and have learned that the classes you need are only available at certain times during the week -- and therefore you'll need to reduce your hours.
I would not ask for his permission in advance. What if his response is "No, forget it -- if you reduce your hours, you're outta here."? Then you will be in a conflict situation, and it isn't necessary to go there. You're not looking for a fight with Chip. You just need a schedule adjustment.
You can simply, politely and respectfully inform Chip that you have registered for classes and that you'll be happy to keep working for him as many hours as your schedule allows. You can help him reconfigure the schedule to cover Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Don't tell Chip "I'm going to register for classes." Tell him "Good news -- I was able to get into all the classes I need!"
You will be positive and upbeat when you lay this news on Chip. What can he do? He can only tell you to pack your stuff and go, or deal with the reality that his most valuable employee is not available when he wants her to be. That is too bad for him!
Real life lays much bigger problems than that on every one of us, almost every day of the week.
Either Chip will rise to the occasion and adjust your schedule or you will find a new part-time job but I suspect that he will keep you on.
After all, what would he gain by firing you? He would only be firing you out of spite.
Since you already know the ropes, it's better for Chip to keep you on the payroll and fill in the other hours with part-timers, or convert one of your part-time colleagues to full-time status.
You will grow essential muscles by letting Chip know that your needs are just as important as his -- if not more so.
Your education is important to you as well it should be.
You will invite Chip to rise to the leadership occasion and make a simple accommodation for his only fully-trained and competent team member.
What manager wouldn't?
All the best to you -- and enjoy the fall term!
Yours,
Liz
