Negotiating Work Schedule
I have been offered a position doing computer repairs. My one problem is the hours. My working hours would be early in the morning, and the store is 10 miles away. I don't currently have a car, so I'd be reliant on public transportation. The position also pays minimum wage, as it is an internship.
I really want to take this position, but the fact that It is far away and commuting could be an issue makes me a bit worried. I would have to wake up at 6am just to get there on time! (9am)
I initially told my employer that my schedule is wide open. After reviewing public transport, I realized that the commute could present a problem. I also have severe insomnia, so I'm afraid that I'd have a lot of trouble sleeping. At my last job, I worked evenings and It was perfect for me.
I am hoping someone has advice on how I can negotiate a more flexible schedule? The shop is open until 6pm, so I'm thinking of asking for a start time of 11am. I could still work everyday, but i'd just need to start later. Any advice would help a lot!
6 AM is a normal rising time for a good portion of the world. complaining about that will make you look silly. you could humbly ask for a later time because you're "not a morning person", making it perfectly clear you'd be willing to come in whatever time they need you if they can't accommodate your preference.
I do hate to say this, but you are an intern and are therefore expendable. Would getting a bike make it easier. I myself have to cycle four or five kilometers one way in about forty minutes, so it might take you about an hour and a half all told... if you do a combo of public transit and such. Do you have a license to do a car share, or the opportunity to do a car share in your neighborhood, like picking up the car in one location and dropping it off in another a certain amount of hours later? You will likely have to make do 'til you pass probation.
Yep. If you don't like mornings, you usually have to look for positions that don't require mornings.
Starting out trying to work a half day could look bad. I would suggest working there, showing your a valuable member of the team, then asking about flexible scheduling.
The problem is that your flex scheduling is making you non-full time. Did they hire you as a full time intern or part time intern?
Flexible scheduling for full time people requires they still work a full time day. So for example. My co-worker works 8:00-4:30, I work 9:00-5:30. We are both working 8 hours.
