For Anyone Who's Ever Had to Negotiate Something with a Boss

After following Jo's advice, remeber:

First - no nervousness. Don't go in feeling bad or guilty, he will sense that. You have absolutely nothing to be nervous about. You have a back-up plan for worst case scenario, so don't worry.

Second, tell him exactly what you told us: "I would rather he did not say no because I would far rather work for him, I like him, like the business and want to continue." Simple as that! He either says yes or he says no!

Don't over-explain or over-talk it to death. Simple, straight-forward, confident. You can do this. You are an asset to the company and you can do what you need to from home.

My tip is to put the power in his hands. Meaning give him an out if needed. Request that this be an option for at least 12 months. If at any time he feels time is being wasted, work is not getting done, you both can re-evaluate the situation. Also, set up monthly/ six-week check ins to make sure the set up is still working for him/ & the office.
If he says no, be sure you don't immediately say, "then friday's my last day," etc. Instead ask what it is he is most uncomfortable with in the proposed situation and take it from there. YOu may be able to quiet any fears with a "trial" period.
Also, if he goes for it, continue to ask for regular feedback (set up regular reviews on performance and product) and check in face to face or voice to voice often. don't rely solely on email and the fact that the work is getting done. The office politics can be important. Call the nany once a month for a face-time day with your co-workers.
Good luck!!

You need to consider what you are asking for as an equation. Currently both you and your boss consider it equal. You are now basically asking for another benefit which makes keeping his side the same unequal. You are gaining the cost of your nanny, you will need to give up some salary to keep it equal. Figure out the number you are comfortable with, perhaps it is not completely giving up base like the other work from home but something. Maybe consider asking to keep base but coming into the office once a week by getting a sitter.

It is all give and take. If you come in with a reasonable offer you will be better off than just taking what you boss comes up with. I hope this makes sense.

Here's another thought. I work from home most of the time myself, so one thing you can offer is that because he's offering you flexible hours, you will work flexible hours - as in, once your kids are in bed, you can finish up projects, do paperwork, that kind of thing. Obviously if your work involves interacting with clients, then you'll have to schedule that at your baby's naptimes (and/or have a sitter come in for an hour or two a day and schedule your client/phone work during that time).

I'd recommend, as some others have, that you pitch this idea to your boss on a trial basis - "let's try it for 30 days, checking in 2-3 times weekly, and see how it goes. If it's not working after 30 days, we will both have the chance to re-assess."

Personally, I've worked from home for many years, and I've found I can get about 4 times the amount of work done in about half the time I would get it done in the office. There are SO many interruptions in the average office (phones ringing, co-workers who want to chit-chat, deliveries being made, field personnel wandering through...). Yet, some bosses are still "old school" and can't fathom the idea of someone working and getting a lot done without the boss being able to observe it. That's why a "trial period" would be a good idea, in my opinion. You can prove to your boss that it will work and you'll be able to get your work done.

Good luck!

Just lay it it on the table.
My boss was SO happy to have me switch to PT rather than leave completely. Be honest. About it all.
Sounds like you're in a win-win.
Good luck!

Like Jo W said... you need to "spin" this so that it sounds like you are both getting a fair deal. Currently you have responsibilities that require 24 hours weekly. You are compensated accordingly. If you are asking that you be able to handle these responsibilities from home, then you need to offer him 20-25 hours per week of "work time".

Be positive and go in wiht a real plan, not just "some ideas".

Have the plan detailed, written and don't expect an immediate response.

Don't threaten to quit if they don't agree b/c that won't be well-received.

Be prepared for a "counter offer" that includes a reduced income.

Remember that one day this little one will be older and you may want to return to an office setting... you could walk back in with this company.

If they value the work that you do and are confident that you can maintain the quality of work from home, you may have yourself a deal!

It's never easy having this conversation when returning from leave, i've done it three times. I think what my company appreciated was I focused on the business case to make my job fit into a new schedule. I would leave out the details of the children's schedule and saved nanny expense until asked. Focus on your job getting done at home and your willingness to work at night to complete things if necessary. Sounds like you enjoy your job and I'm sure they feel the same way. It would cost the company more time, money and stress to replace you so technically with your commitment you could sell them on making this work for them and your family. Good luck!

Yikes, this is only your idea?? You have to spin it like the others said so it is beneficial to the business. I am in laboratory testing sales and was previously in medical research sales always based on the East Coast. I have had a home office where I am based for the past 15 years (full time+ though). In order to be there for my daughter's school functions and softball games I also had to be willing to work at night when she was sleeping to write bids, proposals and e-mail responses. The boss/company has to get something out of this as well. Be prepared for all of the objections you will get and have an answer that will benefit the business. I'm not sure if you need to be on the telephone with clients but my daughter knew at three years old that if I was on the phone it was a "do not disturb". I know you can't do this with an infant though. Good luck!

Be straightfoward and confident. Don't go on an on. Get to the point and please please create a winning situation by accentuating the benefits/pros of making this arrangement. Good Luck :)

Hi,

I know how hard hard it is. Hang in there! My advice is to go in as prepared as you can. Any reports, salary requirements, things you will do on regular basis etc. Basically, make it easy for him to say YES to you. GL

M

If you are valuable to your boss he'll find a way to work with you. If he can find someone else to do the job for less than he probably won't work with you. it's not personal - it's just that he has a job that needs to get done and as a business person he'll find the best match for his needs. I've learned over the years that it's not about what you've done over the years - it's about "what can you do for me now".

Look at the job as you want it to be and evaluate from your boss's perspective if it's worth the pay, the irregularity, the fact hat you won't be in the office. Would you pay yourself waht you're asking for that position?

I work part-time in a highly professional position. But I am paid dispropotionately less than others due to the flexibility that I'm afforded. It's not really fair in a way - but in another way it's perfectly fair. Being able to pick up my kids from school guide them with their homework, make it to sports practices and games, etc is priceless to me so it's work the discrepancy in pay. My clients also know they can contact me via email or cell phone almost any time during normal business hours. If it's not perfectly suitable to take their call at the moment they call I return get back to them within 15-20 minutes - even if I have to lock the kids or myself in a closet to do so (only kidding - but you get the picture).

If your boss balks at the arrangement you'd prefer then ask him what would work for him. Tell him that your goal is to stay and find a good arrangement for both of you. Even suggest that you try seomthing for a period of time and meet agin in 8 weeks to discuss if it's meeting both of your expectations and maybe tweak it if neccessary.

Flexibility and a good attitude are the best tools in negotiating. good l uck mama!!!!