Part-time frustrations

[JimJamsMum]

Hi there. I am currently working part-time in a job I did full-time for four years before having DS. Since working part-time I have found work very frustrating as I have been allocated small unimportant clients and never seem to have enough to do. I get the feeling that people don't think I can manage big important clients (or even medium-sized) because I'm only working part-time. It's very frustrating because I have more skills and experience than a lot of people at work but I don't get the opportunity to use them. I'm finding this is really affecting my confidence at work and I am dreading going there. I would love to find a new job but we are planning another baby and the mat leave conditions are too good to give up.

So, I am after suggestions at how I can improve the situation and perhaps prove to management that I can manage larger projects and clients.

TIA for your help. I really just feel so down in the dumps about it right now.

[crazyaboutbubs]

:hugs: Sorry you're feeling down in the dumps. Have you spoken to management regarding taking on some bigger clients? Let them know you're finding the smaller clients a bit too easy to manage and you'd like to handle one or two of the bigger clients. Once they see what a great job you can do on some of the bigger clients, just keep asking for more!

May I ask what it is you do? Do you need to be available for the larger clients from 9-5? Would the clients mind having someone only available part time to speak with? Perhaps that's the only reason they haven't given you any larger clients?

I hope you get some more work soon! It can be really frustrating when you don't get given any challenges at work.. frustrating and extremely boring.

[blackdog]

Maybe you could share clients with another part timer who is there on the days you are not? If you both keep your files up to date then it should work well. Your employer may be worried their clients will get cranky when you are not available at their whim.;)

I know what you mean, though, it is hard going in to work and things have progressed without you when you are used to having your finger on the pulse:rolleyes:

good luck!

[JimJamsMum]

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Things have improved at work. I spoke to my boss who seemed quite disinterested and pretty much dismissed me. I made up my mind to go to her boss but a few days later she sat me down and said, "I've been thinking about what you said..." and offered me a really decent client which will be fulfilling but not too much work for my part-time hours. Yay!! So I'm feeling much better about things :)

[amandaw]

That's great news...maybe there was just the perception that being part time, you didn't want any 'real' work (something iknow I'm going to have to fight hard against next year too when I go part time...scares me a little)

Hope you enjoy yourself a lot more :thumbsup: