I don't think I've actually mentioned this on the blog before, but I work as a software developer part-time. Not as a contractor, but as a salaried, part-time employee, Monday through Wednesday.
Why? Because I can.
I always get interesting reactions when I tell people this. They generally range from "you're my hero" to some sort of disbelief. One woman at my company, upon learning I wasn't full-time, immediately asked me if I had kids. When I told her "no," she looked at me as though I'd just offered her a plate of rotten strawberries for a snack. Apparently in her world, having kids was the only acceptable "excuse" for working part-time. =)
How I got this gig is kind of a long story, but the short answer is that I prayed for it. The circumstances were totally beyond anything I could have cooked up; I didn't ask to go part-time...it just happened. That was at a previous job, but it gave me the confidence to say, when I interviewed for my current position, "I'll only accept a part-time position." Oh, they wanted me full-time, but I told them only three days a week were for sale. =)
So what about that gloomy post title? Well, about a month and a half ago, Michael told me his company was shutting down on April 15th. Maybe. Or maybe someone would buy it. Or something. As April inched closer, I realized we needed to do something (gotta have that healthcare, and the savings are kind of tapped out right now because we haven't sold the old place yet). So, I went to my manager and asked him if I could go full time (he kind of knew it was coming).
His response? "Sure!! Want to start this week??"
I have to say, it is nice to be wanted. =) So, come this Thursday, I will be full-time. *sigh* I tried to view this as a good thing. Michael promised me his "job" would be getting the old place fixed up and on the market. And, that dinner would be waiting for me when I got home (which is more than he got sometimes!!). These would be very good things! =)
But then, his stupid CEO bought the company.
Now we both have full-time jobs.
Dang it.
| JiffNotes |
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| I'll be working full-time starting May 1st. Chocolate and sympathy cards accepted.... |
11 comments:
Oh, the end of an era! I was always astounded that you managed to swing such a sweet gig. I'm so sorry it's over now, especially when it turns out it didn't have to be! {{{hugs}}}
Wow... I'd love to work part time. Maybe give it some time, enjoy the fruits of having some extra income, or use it to pad your savings, retirement funds, or vacation savings.
I forgot to add... after a given period of time, maybe you can go back to part time.
Yeah... but think of the extra funds available for stash....
I'm sending you warm thoughts as you mourn this this last day of part-time. Maybe it won't be all bad, and that thing about more stash is good, except now you'll have less time to devote to your stash.
I agree, Heather – that is definitely a bummer! I am totally envious that you have only had to work 3 days a week. I have a close friend who gave up a full-time job because she wanted to spend more time with her family. After a few months, she decided that she could handle working part-time, so she negotiated herself a part-time position (3 days a week) that pays her as much as she had previously been paid for working full-time.
I have just recently given up a full-time job, and now have a contract position. It’s full-time, but based on the hourly rate, if I were just working 2.5 days a week; I’d still be making more than I was at my last full-time position. I think that when this contract is up, I’m going to look to see if I can do something that will allow me the luxury of just working 3 days a week.
I understand needing the full-time position for the benefits, though.
Doh! and double DOH!
So will dinner still be waiting for you when you come home? ;)
*hugs*
Welcome to the real world!
But what a luxury to be able to do that for so long! Good for you!
My condolences, LOL!!!
Wow. That bites.
I think the world would be a better place if everyone worked part-time. More balance and perspective, y'know?
Double what Susan said but a bit switched. Dinner 'should' be waiting for you when you come home. :)
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