Feel Guilty For Working Part Time

[Kathdoug76]

I used to work full time but dropped to part time when i had mt daughter. Ive been part time for 2 years now.

My boss agreed to allow me to go part time and i then received a new contract stating my new hours and pay.

2 years on and my colleague is off sick and there is no cover in our office on a Monday and Tuesday.

I helped out for 2 weeks and worked an extra morning to help out. This week i couldn't help out.

My boss didn't say anything but kind of made comments like 'well enjoy your days off then'. He asked me a while back if i would go back full time and i declined saying my life and priorities have changed.

I feel like under pressure to go back full time.

I want more work life balance and we are thinking og having another child.

I now am feeling guilty for working 3 days a week but i don't want to go back full time.

Shall i speak to my manager about this? I am already feeling like he resents me for being part time, so not sure if i should bring up the subject.

Any advice please?

[spathiphyllum]

I would bring the topic up with your manager, and simply express that you feel pressured to work more, but feel guilty for not doing so due to your life priorities. Communication is key they may appreciate your honesty and vulnerability

[ummmm]

Yes. talk to him. Explain exactly how you feel so he can understand.

I took two years off when I had my first child and then went back part time. I did work for my uncle though which made it easy.

[Kathdoug76]

Not sure if i will ruin the relationship i have with my boss if i explain?

[douglas9401]

Sounds like your manager is doing what managers tend to do, rely on goodwill to cover up their lack of talent and management skills.

Ignore any chat about hours, you have your contract and terms that you're happy with, you've helped out in the past, now it's up to those who get the big bucks to deal with it.

[ummmm]

Shouldn't do. People need to be told to understand. Everyone is different. Some are keen to go straight back to work others want time with their children in their early years.

[spathiphyllum]

it sounds like your relationship is deteriorating anyhow with you speculating on if he is disappointed in you. You need to know where the other is at. If anything it may make the relationship stronger with honest open communication.

[woofgang]

I wouldn't raise the issue unless your manager does. You have got a contract stating the hours you will work, you have helped out when you can, been asked to do more and declined politely. You have nothing to feel guilty about.

[roopower]

I'm old fashioned enough to believe you are doing a far more important job being with your daughter. I suppose managers are looking for the cheaper option to fill gaps.