Finally cutting my work hours

[Scottietottie]

Hi 

I haven't worked full time for a number of years. I work 5 hours a day, five days a week - and it FEELS like a full week because of the kind of job it is. I work with 15 and 16 year olds in their last 2 years of compulsory education. They are still on the school role but they are not wanted on the school premises and I work in a Community Centre with 3 other members of staff and various volunteers.

When I took the job it was a 4 day week and quite honestly - I found that enough. I used to say I got paid for having fun though! They changed the contract to a 5 day week with no consultation. That was about 2 years ago. I have always found that extra day to be one day too many.

The last couple of years the young people seem to have changed as well. The school used to send us people who didn't fit into school for various reasons but who wanted to come to us and were quite happy being taught life skills. (I'm a youth worker - not a teacher) The young people now do NOT want to be with us. They would rather be at school but would have been expelled had there been no alternative. They are rude, negative and work is no longer fun at all.

I asked my line manager last November if it would be possible to reduce my hours on health grounds. He was very open to the suggestion but the Council, who manages my wages - paid by the school but through the Council - has taken until now to implement the change. I even had someone set up to job share with who was agreeable all round. I feel I am letting my colleagues down somewhat - but I just can't do this any more!

Starting this week - I am on a three day week. 16 hours instead of 26. Woohoo! I'll miss the money but it will be nice to have more days not being sworn at than being so.

Thanks for listening.

Take care - Scottie 

[Patze]

Yahoo Scottie!  I'm so glad that you're now able to cut your hours!  That will be such a relief!

Can you swear back at the kids?  Tell them some of the "Your Mama" jokes?  No? 


Patze

[MissyLouWho?]

I am glad you are doing this for yourself  .  It really is amazing how different the youth of today are from 'yesterday'.  No respect, morals, or manners.  Want everything to be handed to them and live by the motto "Work smarter, not harder" which they translate as "be lazy".  Thank you for doing the job that you do.  I know you are making a huge difference in the teens' lives because of how you are here with us  .  Cutting your hours will make a healthier and happier you, which will in turn help you bestow healthiness and happiness on them. 
Don't think of it as letting your colleagues down.  Instead think of it as a way of making a you that is stronger, that can do your job better!  If the schedule was too much with the thankful kids, then when it got to be too much with the thankless ones it is definitely time to step back a little.  If anyone complains, tell them that you want to be in the best form possible and running yourself ragged isn't good  for anyone.  I think the job share person is a wonderful thing 

Great luck to you!

[Meld256]

Yeah, Scottie! 

I, too, am so glad you're doing this for yourself.  I understand how you may feel you're letting your colleagues down somewhat, but we really do need to do what is best for us.

Your job sounds stressful, working with teenagers who don't appreciate your help, as well as possibly their parents feeling the same.
MissyLouWho, you put it very well.  We know, Scottie, that you have made a positive difference with these kids but when it's no longer fun and is too much work, it's time to step back.

I hope this will be a positive difference for YOU. 
Blessings,
Melinda

[Bucky]

Yay Scottie!!  I know this is something you have wanted for a while now. 

Yes, it will mean less money in your pocket . . . you will adjust.  As far as letting your colleagues down - you just helped someone else who maybe "wanted" more hours.  Someone will be taking your place, just not you.   

I've read the stories of yours through the years on some of the difficult things you have had to deal with at your job.  Hats off to you for sticking in there all this time. 

I just wonder if some of the rashes and such you've been experiencing isn't somehow related to the stress level of your job?  It will be interesting to see if you feel better now that you aren't putting in so many hours.

I know for myself, last year when I switched hours and jobs within the company I work for, that it was a night and day difference in the stress level.  I hope the same for you!

I'm so happy for you, Scottie!  Isn't this one of those cake celebrating occasions?!?      

Bucky

[hootyhu1]

Congrats on cutting your hours! I am hoping to do the same here in about 6-8 weeks or so, You will adjust to the less money however you will feel better!-hooty

[Carebear]

That's great news, Scottie.  I'm glad to hear they finally made a decision.

I know what you mean about the stress of working with adolescents.  I was employed at a high school in the inner city for nine years, and it wore me right down.  And yes, I too had been called every name you can imagine. 

[Cheryl]

Scottie,
I'm relieved and excited for you!  You deserve a break!
Cheryl

[irish]

Scottie, I know that you have hung in there much longer than you felt you could or should. I thank you too for being the kind of person to do this kind of work. I think I would say more than would be appropriate!!!!

You have worked at this a good many years and it is good that you can cut back to the 16 hours a week. That will allow you to lie on the couch more hours so that you will feel well enough to enjoy the weekend with your family.

I know you will miss the money---we who don't work miss the money that is for sure---but you need to take care of yourself. Hope that you can last until you want to quit!!! Good luck. Irish