Reshape Your Job into a Part Time Schedule

Before you make the pitch to your manager for a part time schedule, you'll need to figure out how your job will get done under the new arrangement. Follow the steps below to get your answer.

Step 1 - List the various work functions of your current position. Be thorough. Use rich, detailed descriptions related to your job role. This reminds your manager and others who may review your proposal how you are contributing to the organization. Draw on your official job description and keep a work log to aid you.

Step 2 - Carefully think through the specifics of each job function. Then label each function with the letter corresponding to the descriptions below.

A Critical essence of my job or an employer priority, or both

B Enjoyable; a professional challenge; interesting; a good use of my talents and skills

C Could be delegated to a subordinate or done by a part time new hire (at a lower hourly wage than yours) either on my "off" day/hours, or all the time

D Could be reassigned to a coworker or another department

E Could be a shared job function

F Could be eliminated and wouldn't be missed (cut the job tasks that are simply "busy work," a duplication, or otherwise unnecessary)

For some job functions that are generally quantified, suggest a number that coincides with your new schedule. For example, Emily is an account executive who adjusted the number of accounts she services; Neil is a physical therapist who revised the number of patients he sees in his shortened workday.

For those job functions which may need some level of coverage during your "off" day/hours, devise a way for each to be handled. Provide a brief narrative for each one.

Determine to what degree coverage is needed. Do you need full coverage or just a back-up for unexpected situations? Will the back-up be another person or an electronic link to you by cell phone, e-mail or other means? Include the specifics when you complete Step 3.

If your reduced workweek makes it necessary for some job functions to be reassigned to someone else within or outside your work group or department, outline specifics and rationale for each.

If someone else will perform a function only in your absence, is it a good skills development opportunity for a staff person whose work you could check on your next workday? Indicate this. Work through the specifics and note them for inclusion when you do Step 3.

Step 3 - For purposes of placement into your proposal, list the job functions into groups by letter. Job functions labeled A would be listed together followed by job functions labeled B, and so on.

If you decide to use the Part-time Flex Success Proposal Template from WorkOptions.com, insert your results from Step 2 into the format found below the introduction paragraph in the "B. Job Responsibilities" section.


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