Switching to Part Time Work Schedule

I understand your issue. I was lucky that at the time I had my first child, they were doing a trial work at home program. I was able to go p/t for 6 months after my daughter was born, and then after that I worked at home 3 days and in the office 2.
I am sadly no longer at that job and am having a hard time finding a company that will let me work at home or go p/t.

Maybe you could ask for a 6 month trail basis to see how the new schedule goes.

Good luck.

Hi K. - I switched from full time to part time when my first child was born. I never thought my employer would allow this, but they were really receptive to the idea. I went to visit with my baby about 2 months into my 3 month leave & just said how hard it was going to be to come back full time & that I wish there were some more flexible options. I was so nervous to even say anything, but was pleasantly surprised at how positive the reaction was. I then went back 20 hours/week instead of 40. I picked my schedule - Tues, Thurs and 1/2 day Friday. My salary was then 50% of what it was. I did lose all benefits though, but thankfully my husband has great benefits. It worked out really well for us & I enjoyed the mix of mom & work, although sometimes it was hard to switch gears quickly. I had my second baby nearly a year ago and decided to stay home - the part time salary didn't make paying for two kids in daycare worth it. I'd be happy to talk more - just send me a message with your email address! Good luck!

With my last 2 jobs I did this. All of the employees at both jobs are pretty close to the manager so it wasn't too stressful to ask. At my first job I was offered a management position but didn't take it because after my baby I was going to go to part-time. It wasn't the wisest choice to turn the namagement position down because I later found out I could have been part time along with the promotions, but hindsight is 20/20 right..
At this job I am currently at I asked to go to part-time because my husband's insurance would make ME get insurance for myself if my employer offered it. His insurance was better and I am SO glad I have switched to part-time. I get MUCH more time with my kids and now that I am pregnant again I don't have to take time off to go to my OB appts.

I have worked part-time since my oldest son was born, almost 17 years ago. I made the request before my first maternity leave, as part of the plan for my return. It's been a while, but I think I just asked if they would consider my coming back on a part-time basis. In my experience, bosses are open to this, though I'm sure it depends on the field. Generally, it works out well for them, since you will probably be almost as productive as you are now, with fewer lunches/down-times than you might have had before, and they might not have to pay for benefits for you any longer. Some places even prefer part-time workers for this reason. For me and my family this has always been a great arrangement, the best of both worlds, hope it works for you too!

I did this, then eventually quit, anyhow I suggest waiting until you are approaching the end of your maternity leave like 2 weeks left, then call or go and visit with the new baby then ask about part time. Good Luck.

Im expecting my first child in April and I was in the situation you are in. I was so nervous to talk to my employer about becoming part time but I'm so glad that I did. She was so understanding! Just after a long day of work go and talk to your employer. I explained to mine that my body isnt able to handle a full shift while pregnant and that I hoped there was a way I could work part time. And since she went through being pregnant she was totally understanding and agreed that working 8 hours a day is very wrong on the pregnat body and has let me work part time since that day. Good Luck with everything!!

Just remember that if you switch to part-time status before maternity leave that you might not get the maternity leave benefits (short-term disability) and be paid. Also know that if you aren't full-time or been there for a year (at least I think, you may have to ask) you won't be covered by FMLA. I was fired from my job when I was pregnant because I was off work too long (14 weeks total) and you are only allowed 10 or something like that. If you have questions about benefits while you are on maternity leave, sit down and talk with your Human Resources director or your boss.