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This is something I’ve became an avid believer in since I stopped working full time in early 2017. Up until then I had always worked full time.
Working part time does NOT...
hinder advancing your career or
Affect your salary (done right)
In my personal experience I always pushed to be the best in my profession. I’ve done 7 years at university completing a BaHons degree and two advanced diplomas. I was one of those people who stayed at work unpaid for hours after finishing. I was one of those people who took work home. I was one of those people who didn’t value myself as an employee.
It took for me to have another relapse in 2016/2017 for me to realise my work-life balance is important. Building on this confidence I came back into the work force through an agency and I made my wants clear. I outlined what I wouldn’t go below for a salary, how far I’d travel and I would not work weekends or more than 3 days a week. Of course there’s always that voice your head like “oh you’ve talked yourself out of work” but I didn’t. I got offered work which actually fitted what I wanted. It took all the stress away.
Once I felt I was back in my working stride I took it one step further. I applied for other jobs, some were even advertised as full time roles but I still applied and outlined the hours I was willing to work. An amazing thing happened. In my respecting myself, others also respected me. I was always up front and honest about my mental health and what I wanted from a career. I didn’t need to explain myself or apologise. An interview is a two way thing, I want to know whether I want to work for you too. You do NOT have to take a job just because it’s been offered to you.
Now I’m working my perfect hours with opportunity for career development. Something people don’t seem to think is possible.
Now down to the money. I can only speak for the UK but these are things that help. I’m not too proud to admit my mental health takes a lot of upkeep and medication. So I receive PIP every four weeks to help with any financial loss.
I also claim Universal Credit (state help) for those months when I don’t make as much as others. It can be surprising what you are entitled to and if you’ve spent years paying into the system, like me, don’t be too proud to ask for help when you need it.
Finally, discuss your salary with your employer. Usually job roles are on a scale, your skills determine how high up you are on the scale. If you do not ask you will be placed on the bottom of the scale. And you are worth more!
What I hope for everyone who reads this realises their employment worth. It’s not usually the self worth we talk about but we should. You spend 80% of your adult life at work. Why should you settle?