8 answers
Sierra
Student
Byrdstown, Tennessee
1
Question
Updated
3117 views
What do I do in a situation like this?
Hi, I love my current remote part-time job. I just interviewed for another part time job to supplement my current job. A second interview seems very promising. Here in a few weeks though, I would have to leave my current job an hour early for only two days in a row. If I am offered the second job, how do I go about telling my manager I need to leave two hours early two days in a row? I have been tossing around ideas, but I just don't know. This second job is one I have been wanting badly, but I also do not want to lose my current job because I absolutely love it. Does anyone have any tips or advice? Thank you!
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi, Sierra !
What you can do about your current job is to ask in writing/e-mail for flex time. If you have to leave your current job one hour, ask if you can start work on those two days an hour earlier. Some employers are very supportive of Flex Time and you'll need to find out if the remote employer that you're currently working for honors Flex Time.
I would suggest inquiring without mentioning that you are applying for an additional job. Present it as a simple question to know if the company is okay with flex time for their employees. If the employer tells you yes, wait until you hear back that you obtained the second job and then request flex time for two days a week, stopping work an hour early but starting work an hour earlier. I wouldn't go into much detail about it with the online employer. Since it is online, chances are high that flex time will not be an issue - I hope that they will accommodate you when you get the additional job.
If your current employer says that they do not offer flex time to employees, you'll have to make a decision as to what to do if you get that additional job. That'll mean you'll either have to quit your current job or decline the additional job offer. If the current employer says no, ask the employer if they would honor flex time for you. Now, chances are higher if it is for a medical/health reason, but you're going to have to tell the employer that it's because you need to be available for a new job. It's just a matter of asking at this point and making a decision as to which is more to your benefit - accepting the new job and quitting the current job or keeping your current job and declining the new job.
I sure do hope that it works out that you can have both jobs. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the very best !
What you can do about your current job is to ask in writing/e-mail for flex time. If you have to leave your current job one hour, ask if you can start work on those two days an hour earlier. Some employers are very supportive of Flex Time and you'll need to find out if the remote employer that you're currently working for honors Flex Time.
I would suggest inquiring without mentioning that you are applying for an additional job. Present it as a simple question to know if the company is okay with flex time for their employees. If the employer tells you yes, wait until you hear back that you obtained the second job and then request flex time for two days a week, stopping work an hour early but starting work an hour earlier. I wouldn't go into much detail about it with the online employer. Since it is online, chances are high that flex time will not be an issue - I hope that they will accommodate you when you get the additional job.
If your current employer says that they do not offer flex time to employees, you'll have to make a decision as to what to do if you get that additional job. That'll mean you'll either have to quit your current job or decline the additional job offer. If the current employer says no, ask the employer if they would honor flex time for you. Now, chances are higher if it is for a medical/health reason, but you're going to have to tell the employer that it's because you need to be available for a new job. It's just a matter of asking at this point and making a decision as to which is more to your benefit - accepting the new job and quitting the current job or keeping your current job and declining the new job.
I sure do hope that it works out that you can have both jobs. I hope that this helps and I wish you all the very best !
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your response! That was extremely helpful. I should have mentioned in my post that the days that I need to leave early for is just a one time thing for training.
I do the opening/early morning shift, but I will definitely see if I can work two hours in the evening.
Thank you for shining some light onto this for me! 😊
Sierra
You're welcome ! It's better that it's a one time thing because employers do realize that things do come up for employees every now and then, so this really shouldn't pose any conflicts since it's a one time thing. I hope you get the additional job !
Michelle M.
Thank you! I am keeping my fingers crossed!
Sierra
Jane Doe
20
Answers
Hoboken, New Jersey
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi, Sierra! It sounds like you really care about your current job and that’s wonderful. Since you’re anticipating needing to leave an hour early two days a week if you get the new job, it might help to think about how flexible your current employer typically is. Sometimes remote jobs are pretty accommodating with schedule changes, especially if you show you can still get your work done reliably. When you do talk to your manager, it could be helpful to approach the conversation with a plan—for example, suggesting that you could start earlier on those days or adjust your hours so your work isn’t impacted. That way, you’re showing you’ve thought about how to make it work rather than just asking for time off. You don’t necessarily have to share all the details about the second job right away—just explaining that you have a commitment that requires a slight schedule change might be enough. I’ve found that managers appreciate honesty and seeing that you value your current role enough to want to find a way to make things work. Of course, there’s always a chance they might not be able to accommodate the change, so it’s good to be prepared for that possibility and think about how you might handle it if that happens. Maybe you could explore whether the second job offers any flexibility too, or figure out what you’re comfortable prioritizing. It’s a balancing act, for sure, but with clear communication and some flexibility on both sides, hopefully you can find a solution that works. Best of luck!
Ricardo Cairo Oliveira
Project Manager
4
Answers
São Paulo, Brazil
Updated
Ricardo’s Answer
Hi Sierra,
It sounds like you're dealing with some inner conflict, which is completely normal. Sometimes, the fear of change can hold us back, but it's okay to feel this way. Change can be scary, especially when it's unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
The key is to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. When facing change, there might be reasons to stay the same, but it's important to look for growth and make choices that feel right to you.
I've reviewed the previous advice, and they covered the important points to consider before taking on this new challenge. Handling this situation well means communicating clearly and planning ahead. Here's a simple approach:
1. Review how flexible your current job is.
2. Get ready for your request.
3. Talk openly.
4. Offer solutions.
5. Be open to feedback.
6. Follow up in writing.
7. Be ready for any outcome.
Here's a suggestion for what to say:
"Hi [Manager], I wanted to discuss something with you. I really enjoy my role here and appreciate all the support. I've recently interviewed for another part-time job that I'm excited about, and I might need to leave two hours early on two consecutive days in a few weeks for this. I want to make sure my responsibilities are covered and that I continue to contribute effectively. How do you feel about this?"
By being open and considering your manager's perspective, you improve your chances of a positive response.
It sounds like you're dealing with some inner conflict, which is completely normal. Sometimes, the fear of change can hold us back, but it's okay to feel this way. Change can be scary, especially when it's unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
The key is to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. When facing change, there might be reasons to stay the same, but it's important to look for growth and make choices that feel right to you.
I've reviewed the previous advice, and they covered the important points to consider before taking on this new challenge. Handling this situation well means communicating clearly and planning ahead. Here's a simple approach:
1. Review how flexible your current job is.
2. Get ready for your request.
3. Talk openly.
4. Offer solutions.
5. Be open to feedback.
6. Follow up in writing.
7. Be ready for any outcome.
Here's a suggestion for what to say:
"Hi [Manager], I wanted to discuss something with you. I really enjoy my role here and appreciate all the support. I've recently interviewed for another part-time job that I'm excited about, and I might need to leave two hours early on two consecutive days in a few weeks for this. I want to make sure my responsibilities are covered and that I continue to contribute effectively. How do you feel about this?"
By being open and considering your manager's perspective, you improve your chances of a positive response.
Mary Ramirez
Recruiter
2
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Sierra! Let's start by checking with your current company if there's a contract or NDA that might stop you from working with other companies, especially if they do similar work or are competitors. This is usually the main thing to sort out before talking to your supervisor about flexible hours.
If everything is clear, see if you have any vacation days or time off saved up. This can help you adjust without affecting your current job and avoid any issues.
If these aren't options, have a chat with your supervisor about getting a second job. Explain how it won't interfere with your current work and mention the industry and schedule, especially if you need to leave early two days a week.
Give these options a try! I hope everything goes smoothly and you get your dream job. Good luck!
If everything is clear, see if you have any vacation days or time off saved up. This can help you adjust without affecting your current job and avoid any issues.
If these aren't options, have a chat with your supervisor about getting a second job. Explain how it won't interfere with your current work and mention the industry and schedule, especially if you need to leave early two days a week.
Give these options a try! I hope everything goes smoothly and you get your dream job. Good luck!
Misha D'Andrea
Learning + Development
55
Answers
New York, NY
Updated
Misha’s Answer
Hi Sierra,
It's great that you love your current part-time job, how is your relationship with your manager? If it is a good/positive working relationship I recommend being honest with what is going on, that you love your role and the work you do, but you need additional income/hours. A good manager would be supportive, and it might even be incentive for them to offer you more hours so you do not need a second position. If it's not the best relationship or you feel you would be putting yourself as risk by being transparent, ask about flexibility with your schedule and if you can move the missed hours to other points in the week. The earlier you have this discussion the better, this allows preparations and scheduling for the time you may need to step out for the interviews. Or if you have accrued time off/a time off policy you can just use that instead.
It's great that you love your current part-time job, how is your relationship with your manager? If it is a good/positive working relationship I recommend being honest with what is going on, that you love your role and the work you do, but you need additional income/hours. A good manager would be supportive, and it might even be incentive for them to offer you more hours so you do not need a second position. If it's not the best relationship or you feel you would be putting yourself as risk by being transparent, ask about flexibility with your schedule and if you can move the missed hours to other points in the week. The earlier you have this discussion the better, this allows preparations and scheduling for the time you may need to step out for the interviews. Or if you have accrued time off/a time off policy you can just use that instead.
Annamalai Perianan
Consultant
13
Answers
Hoffman Estates, Illinois
Updated
Annamalai’s Answer
Be honest, but strategic. You don’t need to give every detail. Just explain that a temporary scheduling conflict has come up, and you’re working to minimize the impact. Show respect for your current job. Emphasize that you’re committed and want to make sure everything still gets done. Give advance notice. The more time you give your manager, the more flexible they can be. Offer solutions. Let them know you can make up the time, log in earlier, or shift your hours temporarily.
Thank you for the advice! Making up my hours will definitely be a smart move if I do land the other job.
Sierra
Archived User
1
Answer
Updated
Archived’s Answer
Hi Sierra, based on your reply to Michelle. If you only need to leave early for just one time, it is good idea to see if you can take a day off to attend the training as paid/unpaid leave. You don't need to mention what you are doing on a day off.
I hope it all works out and you can get the second part-time job. Good luck with the interviews!
I hope it all works out and you can get the second part-time job. Good luck with the interviews!
That is also a good idea. Thank you for your response!
Sierra
Dianna Soto
Non Sterile Pharmacy Technician
51
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Dianna’s Answer
Talk to your supervisor and ask to have your schedule changed for the time frame you need. They will work something out with you. They might ask you to work on one of your off days to make up that time, or suggest using PTO (if they have that available for you).
Thank you for the advice!
Sierra