| Author | Message | ||
     algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 3770 Registered: 5-2001  |
I gave notice today that I am only able to work part-time. I have been so nervous about this that I am ill. I've worked here over 10 years and am an exec/personal assist in a two person (him and me) company. So, I can work in NYC from 8 to 1 and said as always I am available 24/7 at home to do what he needs. Ok, so 8 to 1 I get no lunch hour so I'm working 5 hours/day. I said I'd stay in this capacity but if it wasn't suitable I'd stay until a new person was trained. I guess what I am trying to ask is how much salary should I expect? What's fair when you work PT from home? This is all very new to me. | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 2516 Registered: 5-2001 |
What is fair is to make as much per hour as you did before and for benefits, if you have any, to be provided at least proportionally, if not fully. (i.e. if you got two weeks vacation at 8 hours a day, then to be paid for two weeks vacation at 5 hours per day, perhaps some adjustment to your share of medical premiums if you have them, etc.) Whether that is what happens or not, depends on your employer and how much they value your services. In my opinion, it shouldn't matter whether you are working at home or in the office. When I went from full to part time I also became a contractor rather than an employee. So my hourly rate actually increased quite a bit, but I lost most benefits in the process. Good luck!! | ||
| Virtual It Girl Citizen Username: Shh Post Number: 2983 Registered: 5-2001 |
Congrats A2! I am sure things will work out well for you like this, and I know you will appreciate the extra time with your son. Good luck! | ||
| redY67 Citizen Username: Redy67 Post Number: 2928 Registered: 2-2003  |
Congrats Alg, that is wonderful. I hope it all works out  | ||
| growler Citizen Username: Growler Post Number: 752 Registered: 11-2001  |
I agree with sac. Figure out what your per hour rate is before benifits and that is what you can expect to get paid. Also, make sure that each time your boss calls you at home to do something, you put that in a journal with the time/date called, the request, and the amount of time spent on the task. This will go a long way in getting paid for the at home work. And congrats, btw. It will be very liberating and your son will love having you around more. | ||
| sk8mom Citizen Username: Sk8mom Post Number: 289 Registered: 11-2003 |
Congrats, Alg! Hopefully a big step towards that elusive "balance" (which for me is more like a highwire act...) My best to you. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 3772 Registered: 5-2001 |
Thanks everyone - I am still a bit freaked because I don't know what I would do if I had to hand my job off to someone new. The woman before e worked 1 yaers, 2 days/week and then handed the job to me. I don't know how long I want to continue here. Needless to say, I am freaked out! | ||
| sac Supporter Username: Sac Post Number: 2535 Registered: 5-2001 |
So, what did your boss say when you gave the notice? | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 3774 Registered: 5-2001 |
well, he had just asked me to go out and buy him some silly glasses with the nose attached. So, before I went out in the heat to travel 34 blocks to buy his $5 novelty item I gave him the letter and told him the deal. He was very nice and understanding and really thinks I am doing the right thing and that my son needs me home more. We left it that he was going to discuss everything with wifey and that's the last I've seen of him -- haven't even heard a peep from the guy since Thursday. No calls to see what's going on in the office (which is good since I blew off work on Friday). Now, I am thinking I want to be COMPLETELY free of the job and I want to find a part time gig in NJ. | ||
| eliz Supporter Username: Eliz Post Number: 1178 Registered: 5-2001 |
Just a warning - it is VERY hard to go from full time to part time in a small office. Your boss may agree then will expect you to do the same work you did full time but for less money. Boundaries are vital and must be set clearly for all right from the start. From things you have written previously about your boss (and his wife) they seem just a tad... um... narcissistic and it might be more difficult than most situations. | ||
| Lisa Ebert Citizen Username: Boomie Post Number: 153 Registered: 7-2005 |
And as someone who has worked "part time" when my kids were babies, be aware that it usually turns out to be full time responsibilities expected in part time hours. I agree with going in as an independant contractor for just that reason. I have been there. Its no fun. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 3777 Registered: 5-2001 |
what do you mean "independant contractor"? I know this is a dumb question -- freelance? I don't know what he's going top say about pay -- the thing I am only working 2 hours less than a full day minus lunch hour. Also, I think I do go above and beyond -- called on Saturday nights, birthdays, holidays .... part of me doesn't want to screw them and wants to help them as much as possible (because honestly I am not certain who in the world would take on a job like this) and part of me wants a quick escape. This morning I arrived at 7:50 and got a message that her computer wasn't working and I must get up there and "FIX IT TODAY!" - so I go up and fix it (turned it off and on, reset the modems and wireless connection) how much you want to bet the only thing she's done on it today is online games? She once called me at home in Mass the day after Christmas and asked that i come in the next day to send a FedEx for her daughter. Once I went in over my Christmas break and sat on t he phone with one of the kids (who was in St. Barth's) and completed her college applications. So, anyway -- you can see why part of me wants to escape! | ||
| sportsnut Citizen Username: Sportsnut Post Number: 2016 Registered: 10-2001  |
Alg - congratulations, hopefully your boss will be understanding that this is really a part time position and that you can't just drop what you're doing and head into the city to buy some silly glasses. To me it sounds like the better option would be to find something closer to home on a part time basis. If you do decide to become an independent contractor remember that your tax situation will change. You'll most likely be required to make estimated tax payments and you'll be subject to things like self-employment tax. You'll have to really keep track of your time and expenses so that tax time becomes easier. Also, w/r/t benefits a lot of plans require that you work a minimum number of hours before you qualify. Not sure if you have benefits now or if you are on Straw's plans. If you decide to go the independent contractor route let me know if you have any questions about tax. Its not my particular area of expertise but the price is right and I'll definitely tell you to seek more competent advice if I think you need it. | ||
| Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 9178 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think Alg will be a part-time employee and still have deductions from her paycheck and not a true independent contractor. I would ask for the same hourly pay plus a portion of the cost of benefits you will loose. Medical? Pension? 401k? One way or another good luck. Straw get a promotion from mail clerk to office boy? | ||
| Cedar Citizen Username: Cedar Post Number: 168 Registered: 10-2002 |
Alg - I have not alot to add, but I made this same move 1 1/2 to 2 years ago, for some of the same reasons. In terms of pay and benefits, I was able to keep (on the books)28 hours a week between in-office and home office, with pro-rata pay, and full benefits (28 hours was the f/t cut-off in our corporate documents). Yeah, there were the calls that came at compledtely inoppurtune times that, sometimes, I did need to triage, and do so with tact. And some nights, as well, that my attention to my son's homework was diverted for the goode of the business... I, too, was in a small office (6, total, from admin thru HR, A/P, payroll and reception/cleanup). I'm not sure what further I can offer you, but if you'd like to talk.... | ||
| Wendyn Supporter Username: Wendyn Post Number: 2046 Registered: 9-2002 |
Alg, I just wanted to thank you because you prompted me to broach the PT subject with my boss. Not sure what will come of it as my company (large corp) is right now asking their employees to work more hours not less. Good luck! | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 302 Registered: 10-2003 |
Algebra-and for others who are interested, I am working on two part time positions in Essex County...one pays $15 per hour for 15 - 20 hours per week and the other one pays $20-$25 per hour..of course totally different job specs. If any one wants to hear more, please P L me. | ||
| algebra2 Supporter Username: Algebra2 Post Number: 3784 Registered: 5-2001 |
arghh -- B - I have your email address and am definitly going to email you soon. I am tied to this job until we figure out what to do. Keep your eyes open for an email from me. | ||
| BGS Citizen Username: Bgs Post Number: 304 Registered: 10-2003 |
Algebra- I am ready and waiting to hear from you! :-) BGS | ||
| SC0411 Citizen Username: Sc041169 Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2005 |
hi Algebra, I'm new to the MOL area, but wanted to chime in. When I went PT, my company basically divided the number of hours (25) I was working by 40 FT hours and that was what they decided to pay. It ended up being 62% of my FT salary and I was still considered a salaried employee. But, I agree with one of the others, definitely keep a log of the time you work at home. For the first 4 months, I was working as much at home (and was not getting paid for it). Congrats! It's fun having that extra time with your child. |
