| Part-time Work: “How
Could We Afford It?” You
like the idea of working less than full time, but you
can’t help but think, “How could we afford it?”
Take time to explore whether “We can't afford it” is an
objective conclusion or an emotional response based on
fear of the unknown.
Maybe You Can Afford It:
Figure It Out First, figure the approximate cut in your take-home
pay that corresponds with your planned cut in
hours.
For example, if you are planning a four-day workweek,
(80% of full time), figure about 20% reduction in
take-home pay; a three-day workweek (60% of full time),
about a 40% reduction in take-home pay; and so forth.
(It’s an approximate figure because of the income tax
factor.)
Next, figure out what that dollar amount pay cut would
be on a monthly basis. With that figure—call it your
Monthly Savings Target—you can start to look at where
you can trim your household budget.
Begin with the expenses that may drop when you cut your
working hours: commuting costs (have you figured your
daily gasoline expense?), lunches, wardrobe and/or dry cleaning, child/elder care, and so on.
Then, look at discretionary areas: club memberships,
entertainment and recreational choices, holiday
spending. Where can you trim your food, clothing or
transportation budget?
Get Budget Help
Financial adjustments are not a quick and easy step, but
a critical planning component beyond the scope of this
web site.
If budget planning and ways to reduce expenses
are new topics for you, turn to the extensive resources
at your library and bookstore to walk you through the
process.
Online, I favor the debt-free living advice and
resources found at
Crown Financial Ministries
and
Cheapskate Monthly.
Make the Trade-offs
In the end, you will probably find yourself making
material tradeoffs in order to yield intangible,
emotional benefits that cost mainly time and energy.
Isn’t that exactly what you are negotiating for with
your new flexible work arrangement?
Some Have Done It; You
Can, Too
I am starting a part-time business on the side, but
wanted to keep my day job (and the salary that goes with
it). My proposal to cut my hours from 9-5 to 11-4 was a
great success!
The Part-time Flex Success proposal template provided me
with everything I needed to create a great proposal, one
my bosses couldn't refuse! I really feel it was the best
$30 I've spent in the last year. Your proposal gave me
the confidence to ask for a lot AND the ammunition to
get it. Thank you. Jill Giese, Account Executive
(marketing/communications company), Boise, ID
I just wanted to drop you a quick note of
appreciation...I purchased the All 4-in-1 Flex Success
package and I have to say it was the best $50 I have
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home with my first child working 20-24 hour/week because
of the employer culture where I work. But my manager
stated that it was the best proposal he had ever read
and he was going to give me a chance. Thanks for making
this process so easy! Kristin Scharfen,
Project Manager
Lees Summit, MO
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Details about Part-time Flex
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