Resentment from coworkers when going part time

[SachaFiscal]

Just recently I switched to a reduced schedule at work (4 days instead of 5). It all seemed okay for a while but now I'm starting to get snarky comments from co-workers who are working full time. Anyone else experience this? I suppose I can just ignore the comments but after a while it gets to me.

[Milizard]

I got resentment for taking my vacation time piecemeal instead of big chunks.  It was fucking ridiculous, as we all had the same amount of vacation time..  They were just bitches.

[prognastat]

I got resentment for taking my vacation time piecemeal instead of big chunks.  It was fucking ridiculous, as we all had the same amount of vacation time..  They were just bitches.

I've seen the opposite of people being jealous when I took 3.5 weeks off all at once rather than just taking a long weekend here and there. Coming from Europe originally this was actually very little compared to what I was used to growing up.

[emiloots]

I'm working 60% for the summer so I can be home with my kids in the afternoons - I get the same.  It's frustrating because I'm compressing the work I do into reduced hours - so no one is picking up any slack for me.  I remind them that I'm only getting 60% of my paycheck.  I think people are either:

A. jealous/frustrated that they couldn't have a similar arrangement because their finances are too tight 
B. think they are being clever with their 'witty' comments, but are in reality just being rude

[Mustache ride]

Haters are going to hate. Keep doing your thing and don't let it get to you. If you're like me you can always retort with your own snarky remarks back.

[Milizard]

I got resentment for taking my vacation time piecemeal instead of big chunks.  It was fucking ridiculous, as we all had the same amount of vacation time..  They were just bitches.

I've seen the opposite of people being jealous when I took 3.5 weeks off all at once rather than just taking a long weekend here and there. Coming from Europe originally this was actually very little compared to what I was used to growing up.

I totally understand taking it in a big chunk, but people will definitely have to cover for you in that case.  The way I did it--nobody had to cover anything for me.  I always took it during my down times.  My ex-coworkers were just kind of jerks, though.  They'd think nothing of leaving early all of the time for kids ball games, even during their busiest time when others had to step in for them.  Their problem was just with how other people flexed their time.

[lbmustache]

Just recently I switched to a reduced schedule at work (4 days instead of 5). It all seemed okay for a while but now I'm starting to get snarky comments from co-workers who are working full time. Anyone else experience this? I suppose I can just ignore the comments but after a while it gets to me.

People who are miserable at work will continue to be miserable and not change their lifestyle. I know it's hard to ignore but what can you do really... I used to work around people like that all the time, and still do! I work a similar "reduced" schedule and get comments all the time from people who "wish" they could do that or are in disbelief. I'm not going to deny my parents were well off and I grew up with privilege (e.g. my parents paid for college so I have no student loans) but I also keep my expenses low... which means I get to work less...

[Lanthiriel]

I have the opposite problem. I have a boss who works a 4-day work week and seems to have unrealistic expectations about the amount of time the rest of us spend in the office. We're all looking for work/life balance, and it's weird that working from home, especially outside of traditional business hours, is frowned upon by someone who leaves at 4pm and takes Fridays off.

[mr crumbs]

I have been doing 4 day weeks for the past couple years, and the comments are just something you have to live with.

The best reply you can give is to suggest other people try it out, and that usually generates 2 responses:
a) I couldn't do that, I have too much work to do (playing the martyr)
b) I couldn't do that, I have a mortgage to pay (trapped in aspirant consumerism / lifestyle inflation)

To those who seem jealous or snarky, just give them a gentle reminder that the amount they choose to work is a choice they have made, and should they not like them, the terms of their employment are freely negotiable with their employer.

[marty998]

It's ingrained attitudes in some Managers and Bosses. Especially hard on women who have family duties... 21st century and society is still fighting the division of labour war harder than ever. Many are just put in an impossible position.

Now the flip side.

I am currently working a lot of additional hours full time - no spouse of family to be mindful of so I can get away with it without consequence. I can tell you there have been (many) times where I've felt quite a bit of resentment of part timers who will work 9-5 Monday to Wednesday for example and then leave me to pick up the slack on Thursday-Friday because they couldn't work an additional hour or so on their nominated workday.

However, I hold my tongue and let the feeling wash away.

One day I know I'll probably have a wife in the same predicament, or I myself will go part time and be on the end of these comments.

Just because one enters through an office door doesn't give anyone the right to be a dickhead and be snarky.

[Slinky]

Some people will make obnoxious comments about anything. Work 9-6 instead of 8-5 and people will snark that it must be nice, but oh, no they couldn't possibly work that late. Same amount of hours, it's just shifted one way or the other. I think it might be nice to leave at 3, but I sure as hell won't start at 7am to do it. In your case, I'd probably just make snarky comments back about how it must be nice to make so much more money.

[pbnj]

I agree with Emiloots comments, especially #A.  They are jealous and to be pitied.  I pretend to misunderstand the snarkiness for compliments or genuine congratulations.  I frequently get the 'must be nice' comment and reply something like  'oh, it is, thanks so much for asking'.

Pisses them off.  Priceless and they can't fault me for anything as I don't brag or bring it up, I just remain polite so how can they complain about that?  Their attitude sucks, not mine and I won't stoop down to their ignorant level.  Keep the harmony till you can get the hell out.

[Milizard]

It's ingrained attitudes in some Managers and Bosses. Especially hard on women who have family duties... 21st century and society is still fighting the division of labour war harder than ever. Many are just put in an impossible position.

Now the flip side.

I am currently working a lot of additional hours full time - no spouse of family to be mindful of so I can get away with it without consequence. I can tell you there have been (many) times where I've felt quite a bit of resentment of part timers who will work 9-5 Monday to Wednesday for example and then leave me to pick up the slack on Thursday-Friday because they couldn't work an additional hour or so on their nominated workday.

However, I hold my tongue and let the feeling wash away.

One day I know I'll probably have a wife in the same predicament, or I myself will go part time and be on the end of these comments.

Just because one enters through an office door doesn't give anyone the right to be a dickhead and be snarky.

The part-timers might not be allowed to work any additional hours, as it is not budgeted for.

[redbird]

I got resentment at one point for working 4x10s instead of 5x8s like the rest of the office. Because I "didn't have to work Fridays". That's true, I didn't, but I still worked the same number of hours. I even had to close up the office most of the time because everyone else left before me.

The resentment must've built up enough, even though I had supervisory permission, because once the office got a new supervisor, I was forced to go back to 5x8s. This was a huge problem for me transportation wise, but the boss didn't care, because it "wasn't fair to everyone else". The thing about the 4x10s though - the original boss didn't mind if other people wanted to work that schedule too. Her only issue was that people needed to cover their tasks. Occasionally I did come into work on Fridays, despite the 4x10s I already worked that week, because my work dictated it. So it's not like people didn't have a choice. People just like to complain.

[sequoia]

Personally, I would not say anything for a while. I would figure out which one is the "leader" of these smart asses, and wait for a perfect time when this person say something snarky, and then give him/her a smack-down (not literally) in front of everyone. That should shut everyone up :)

Just get your ducks in a row...

[doublethinkmoney]

I've just come to realized that people will complain about anything and everything. Especially about what someone else has even if they have it to or don't even want it! It's really a reflection of their own unhappiness. They would complain if you hand them a hundred dollar bill bc they wanted it in 20s...

Ignore them and be happy. You can't make everyone else happy.


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[sjlp]

I've just come to realized that people will complain about anything and everything.

So true. It's more a reflection of them than you. People who are happy with themselves don't take it as an affront if someone else has something good.

[VolcanicArts]

Screw your coworkers. They are not as smart and resourceful as you.

[SachaFiscal]

Thanks for all the replies, they made me feel better. It sounds like this is a common thing most part time workers have to deal with. I think you're right that people will find something to complain about and that I can't please everyone.  I have the tendency to want to be a people pleaser which is okay when the sentiment is returned but not when it is taken advantage of.  I'm working on that...

I think usually it's the people who at stressed, frustrated, or burned out that are making the comments, so they are just unhappy with their own situation at the moment. I usually just ignore or smile/laugh off the comments on the outside but have to work on not letting it get to me on the inside. Anyhow I'm in the home stretch now so I only have to deal with it for a little while longer.

[clarkfan1979]

I got resentment for taking my vacation time piecemeal instead of big chunks.  It was fucking ridiculous, as we all had the same amount of vacation time..  They were just bitches.

My wife was a retail store manager. She worked for the company for 10 years and had 5 weeks of paid time off. When she would use her paid time off she would get negative comments from her supervisors and her team.

Her supervisor only had 2 weeks of paid time off because he hasn't been with the company as long. He was kind of jealous. he would specifically tell her that she took too much time off. He is kind of an idiot. Her team called in sick all the time, so they never accrued any reasonable paid time off. They were just shocked that she had so many mini vacations.

[Milizard]

I got resentment for taking my vacation time piecemeal instead of big chunks.  It was fucking ridiculous, as we all had the same amount of vacation time..  They were just bitches.

My wife was a retail store manager. She worked for the company for 10 years and had 5 weeks of paid time off. When she would use her paid time off she would get negative comments from her supervisors and her team.

Her supervisor only had 2 weeks of paid time off because he hasn't been with the company as long. He was kind of jealous. he would specifically tell her that she took too much time off. He is kind of an idiot. Her team called in sick all the time, so they never accrued any reasonable paid time off. They were just shocked that she had so many mini vacations.

I loved all my mini vacations and random afternoons off in the summer to hit the beach!
I was the most recent hire for a very long time, so least amount of vacation, but it started out at 2 weeks, + 2 weeks for personal/sick time.  After 10 years we were all up to 4 weeks, + the 2 for personal time.  So, plenty for everyone. 

[Vegasgirl]

I work full time but on a compressed schedule (off every other Friday) and get the comments all the time.  I just ignore.

[RobFIRE]

I think usually it's the people who at stressed, frustrated, or burned out that are making the comments, so they are just unhappy with their own situation at the moment.

That, or they are just jealous that you are doing something differently. Most people tend to want to do what everybody else does (sheeple mentality), so doing something differently may make them jealous or nervous. If they think about it, they may then realize there are reasons they can't/won't/think they can't change their working schedule/setup for whatever reason, so would rather make excuses/criticize somebody who is in the position to (is organized enough to deliver their work in less time, is disciplined to get up early / work late, has the financial setup to prioritize free time over money, is willing to opt out of the corporate treadmill etc.) than admit the reality.

[Erma]

Is part time something strange in the US? In our if somebody starts new we usually wonder which days someone will work because the majority works part time, even our boss. In our department there are only two full time working employees and eight part time employees. The full time employees are younger so I assume their salary is still lower.

[BlueMR2]

Part time is very unusual in the US.  Jobs are largely full-time or nothing.  Part timers are looked down on as weak and/or non-contributing members of society.  Going along with that, you don't get health insurance unless you're full-time, so it's a BIG pay cut stepping down from full-time (anymore the biggest value of a job is the health insurance)...

[VoteCthulu]

It really depends on the industry you're in. Many salaried cubicle farm jobs are full time only, while many hourly service jobs are part time only. Full time or nothing is sadly common for higher paying jobs in the US, though.

[Elle 8]

Part time is very unusual in the US.  Jobs are largely full-time or nothing.  Part timers are looked down on as weak and/or non-contributing members of society.  Going along with that, you don't get health insurance unless you're full-time, so it's a BIG pay cut stepping down from full-time (anymore the biggest value of a job is the health insurance)...

Not necessarily.  Where I work 20 hour a week people are eligible for benefits.  And I know some places where it's as low as 16 hours a week.  However, the health insurance cost is pro-rated based on hours worked.  For example, if you pay $50/week at 40 hours, you'll pay $100/week for 20 hours (not actual numbers but something like this).  I'm hoping to find a part-time job, basically just for the health insurance, in a couple years.  I'll ask at my current employer and if they refuse I'll look elsewhere.

Also, ACA requires offering health insurance when someone has averaged at least 30 hours in a prior look-back period.  But as we know, this may not last very much longer.

[Bird In Hand]

Part time is very unusual in the US.  Jobs are largely full-time or nothing.  Part timers are looked down on as weak and/or non-contributing members of society.  Going along with that, you don't get health insurance unless you're full-time, so it's a BIG pay cut stepping down from full-time (anymore the biggest value of a job is the health insurance)...

Not necessarily.  Where I work 20 hour a week people are eligible for benefits.  And I know some places where it's as low as 16 hours a week.  However, the health insurance cost is pro-rated based on hours worked. 

Ditto, except (at my employer at least) there's no difference in health insurance cost for part time (20 hours or more).

[Ocinfo]

Most people don't like anything or anyone that's different. You are likely different in more ways than part time work. For one thing you're on this forum. The part time is just one easy way your coworkers can see you as different. It blows up their self view because it's harder to justify their own life choices if you are able to do the same job as them working less and afford to live well. The real solution is to find a company that has a culture that is better. People will always be people but a company that truly embraces work life balance (does exist in US) is priceless.


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[Paul der Krake]

Sounds like you have shitty coworkers. Let them wallow in their negativity. Be extra happy on Thursdays just to piss them off.

[Freedomin5]

I don't recall ever getting pissed by these types of comments, but then I usually respond in one of two ways.

1) [already mentioned] Innocently act as if they were congratulating you, and say something like, " Thanks! It is really nice. Hey! Maybe you could ask the boss if you could do it too!"

2) Make up a bit of a sob story.  Something along the lines of, "Yeah, I asked to go part time because my kid needs to get to his physical therapy appointments after the car crash where he lost one of his legs, and my husband is working two jobs to pay for treatment." Might as well have some fun with it and garner some sympathy rather than scorn.

I recently had a coworker comment on my shortened work days. I responded by saying that I was grateful the company was so flexible, because it's really hard to be in China with a toddler and no grandparents in the vicinity and no Ayi (having an Ayi is practically taken for granted here in upper middle class families), and everything takes me longer because I don't speak the language well.

[Johnez]

I've a similar issue where I got work. The thing that keeps me going is that I'm actually happy where I am and cannot help but being friendly to the loser complainers who had the same opportunity to have my schedule. In my less patient moments I often tell them to go talk to management, being here in a union seniority rules, so these guys can have my schedule if they so please. But they want their cake and eat it too. My suggestion-find some "cool" people to hang out with that aren't wasting your time with complaints. Life's too short for bullshit.

[jaykim0505]

I had similar experience. Just because I work part time, some weird ass fulltime coworker ignores you. I don't get it foreal. I think that happens depending on the characteristic of coworker.. just chill and ignore that

[Julard]

Yes, I've had that too from some. They'd be appalled if I made similarly snarky comments about them being paid more than me.  But I usually just cheerfully suggest that they should consider going part time too, and make sure I smile when I point out that it's just a matter of spending less.

[stashgrower]

+1 to many points above. Frustrating, and it helped to hear I'm not alone.

I think some people have a hard time dealing with 'different'. I've had comments implying that people think I'm contributing less (than pro rata) -- just because my schedule looks different.

[aGracefulStomp]

A co-worker just switched to part-time (4 instead of 5) and he's received a few snarky comments.

People are just jealous, and the only way they can handle their emotions is to belittle you so that they can feel superior (thereby not dealing with their emotions at all).

Honestly if it's starting to effect you and if there's key people who are the main culprits I would:

• take them aside, ask them if they have a problem with you that they would like to talk about. That will either shut them up or, if they don't visibly blanch, I would just be straight up with them and say that it's starting to impact your time at work.
• just goddamn lie and say you have a family member whose very sick and you're taking a day off to care for them. You shouldn't have to explain your day off and they should be dealing with their jealousy like adults. Unfortunately that's not the case so just do whatever is going to make it more enjoyable.

[golden1]

Some people will make obnoxious comments about anything. Work 9-6 instead of 8-5 and people will snark that it must be nice, but oh, no they couldn't possibly work that late. Same amount of hours, it's just shifted one way or the other. I think it might be nice to leave at 3, but I sure as hell won't start at 7am to do it. In your case, I'd probably just make snarky comments back about how it must be nice to make so much more money.

I used to work the 7-3:30 (and 6-2:30 in the summer) hours at my last company, because I had small kids and because I wanted to avoid rush hour traffic.  I used to get a lot of dirty looks and occasional comments from people when I would leave at that time and it sucked.  I think because they don’t see me coming in so early, they feel like I am getting off easy.  Yes....because getting up at 4:30am was something I really enjoyed doing....  I felt a bit jealous of them, wandering in at 9am (and sometimes later) but I never expressed any negativity. 

[gggggg]

My coworkers know I'm heavily into personal finance, and know my house and car are paid off. I do get some resentment from a couple of them who are constantly in debt. One will hardly speak to me anymore, he's so bitter/jealous (he's senior to me and thinks he should be ahead of me, I believe). A few people do come to me for advice though, which kind of offsets the bitter ones.

[Spitfire]

Hit em with a "U Mad Bro?" and enjoy your reduced schedule.

[TaraB]

I'm in a different situation but getting the snark.

In July my coworkers have to either relocate to a different office (an hour away) or quit. (We were told this in May- a few have already left for new jobs). Most chose relocate. I chose quit.

But my boss asked me to stay on through October. Now all the people who chose relocate are annoyed. I can tell by the faces they make. So I mostly keep to myself and count how many days I have left! We all have internet and can read MMM, they could make different choices, but they didn't.

You could start being weirdly zen to them- "I respect your feelings" and just nod sympathetically. (not sure if zen is the right word).

[Wilson Hall]

I got resentment at one point for working 4x10s instead of 5x8s like the rest of the office. Because I "didn't have to work Fridays". That's true, I didn't, but I still worked the same number of hours. I even had to close up the office most of the time because everyone else left before me.

The resentment must've built up enough, even though I had supervisory permission, because once the office got a new supervisor, I was forced to go back to 5x8s. This was a huge problem for me transportation wise, but the boss didn't care, because it "wasn't fair to everyone else". The thing about the 4x10s though - the original boss didn't mind if other people wanted to work that schedule too. Her only issue was that people needed to cover their tasks. Occasionally I did come into work on Fridays, despite the 4x10s I already worked that week, because my work dictated it. So it's not like people didn't have a choice. People just like to complain.

I used to work 4X10s at a previous job and loved it. Monday was my day off because several other people on my team wanted Friday, which was fine by me. That didn't stop the snarky comments from others, of course. Those of us who had this schedule were dying to ask those working 5X8s why they didn't ask for the 4X10 schedule too, but figured that playing the martyr card was way more important to some of them then enjoying a day off.

[Last Night]

Just recently I switched to a reduced schedule at work (4 days instead of 5). It all seemed okay for a while but now I'm starting to get snarky comments from co-workers who are working full time. Anyone else experience this? I suppose I can just ignore the comments but after a while it gets to me.

Why do you care? It's the same as when we were in school, if you react to the comments the way they want, it won't stop...you are in full control of how someone makes out after making a comment like that :)

[MasterStache]

Switching to part time soon. Not really any bitching that I know of. But lot's of admitted jealousy, some congrats and even some "I don't know how you are doing it!"