Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Keeping Part-time Hours Question: I have three children -- 4 mo, 20 mo. and almost 4 years. I have a Masters degree in library science and have worked in a part time position since before having children at our public library. While in this part time position, I have gotten my master's degree, had three children, developed two programs and stepped in to do some additional work in other departments as needed. My current position is being eliminated and being made into a 40 hour job. I love my job; at this point in my life I don't want a 40 hour job. Am I out of line to meet with the director of the library to discuss my feelings? I feel that I will be a valuable, contributing, enthusiastic employee at 20 hours and when the time is right, 40 hours is possible. My children are too young at this point to be gone so much of the day. Julie Answer: It's entirely appropriate for you to re-present yourself to the powers-that-be as the most desirable candidate for the 'new' full-time job they've created to replace your current part-time position. Prepare carefully so that you can position your appeal as a win-win. The library gets to retain your proven knowledge, excellence, initiation and accountability. You continue to do the work that you love which brings all kinds of ancillary rewards. As you plan your 'pitch,' think about possible flexibility or some variation in your arrangement that might help overcome the fact that you are still unable to put in 40 hours - e.g. putting in longer hours on, perhaps, three days to accommodate their increased needs. Be prepared with a few options and request time to make a formal presentation detailing the hours and responsibilities you will cover and how they will dovetail into the overall needs of the library. Include in your plan your long-term intentions by suggesting a time when you would be willing to fulfill the 40-hour week that they are now requiring. Stress that you have furthered yourself (with your Masters) in order to be prepared for this eventuality. Remind them of your dedication and meaningful contributions. Most of all, tell them outright how much you appreciate the work you do for them and that you wish to continue to serve the library. In the end, keep in mind that you are seeking an exception which may not be available. If they can't grant you the new position under any of your possible arrangements, ask them to give you ideas/feedback of how you might stay involved with a job and library that you truly appreciate. At the very least, you will be paying them an enormous compliment that most likely will not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.