How to Deal With Workplace Inflexibility

You've been a model employee: responsible, industrious, creative and productive. You've gone the extra mile time and again, with a smile.

Now you have a family.

Quite reasonably, you expect that when you ask for an altered work schedule that better fits your family's needs, your employer will go along with you. You've done your homework and developed a written proposal demonstrating that your new schedule is in your employer's interest.

But someone in the organization sees the matter differently and opposes your plan.

Now you face a tough question: IS THIS CONFLICT WORTH THE COST?

Sizing up your choices takes political savvy. How powerful is the person who opposes you? Might you face headaches later if you "win" now?

Are you better off standing your ground, or backing down? Or, is it time to seek work elsewhere?

Maybe the negative reaction to your proposal points to unhealthy workplace dynamics that have long simmered beneath the surface.

Talk to someone you trust about your situation. Proceed carefully, taking pride in your capacity to act with integrity and grace in a difficult situation.

Then, no matter what happens, you will hold your head high.

(c) Norma Schmidt 2004

Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC specializes in helping working mothers create balance. She offers coaching and workshops and publishes a free e-mail newsletter, "The Balance Point." Complementary sample coaching sessions are available. Visit http://www.NormaSchmidt.com

In The News:

pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Business Careers: Keys to Moving on from Retrenchment

You may be astonished to realize that retrenchment may occur... Read More

Work Is A Four-Letter Word

I can hear the jokes already and most of them... Read More

What Everybody Ought To Know About How To Change Their Career or Profession and Still Survive...

Dr. Denis Waitley, trainer of leaders, including Super Bowl and... Read More

21st Century Career Success

When it comes to modern career development, one thing we... Read More

Making Yourself More Relevant To The New Workplace

Being a current job seeker can be quite a challenging... Read More

Global Economy Creates Need For International Business Pros

The increasing globalization of business has created a demand for... Read More

Updating Your Plum Job Now That Youre a Parent

It's startling to discover how having kids changes the way... Read More

Reviving Your Resume

A resume may not be who you are, but to... Read More

Get A New Job - Career Choices

Career change is tough but rewardingThere are a number of... Read More

Job Interview Mistakes To Avoid

By avoiding these 8 simple mistakes, you can improve your... Read More

Why It Is Impossible To Raise Your Standard Of Living Working A Job

Everything in nature has been endowed with what it needs... Read More

So You want to be a Bodyguard?

Then let me start by helping out. The politically correct... Read More

20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers

When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More

I Quit!

More and more people are calling it quits to successful... Read More

Who Should Write Your Resume?

This is a question we get a lot. It seems... Read More

Rev-Up Your Network!

Whether you are looking for a job, new clients or... Read More

Put Some Mystery in Your Life

Mystery shoppers. For some it conjures up images of private... Read More

Fun At Work Leads to More Success

Common sense at work: Such qualities as loyalty, energy, intelligence... Read More

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves

Ten Questions For Entrepreneurs To Ask Themselves1.Do I have the... Read More

Taking Job Loss Seriously

Anyone reading this article and hassuffered a job loss recently... Read More

Are You Ready To Start A Business? Take This Quiz and See

Don't get discouraged! A "no" answer to any of the... Read More

Career Killers to Avoid

Many professionals and managers are so involved in day-to-day crises... Read More

How To Become A Computer Consultant

Have you ever wanted to become a computer consultant, but... Read More

Career Change - Is Your Career A Good Fit Or Is It Causing Pain?

Do you leap out of bed in the morning looking... Read More

Resurgence of the Time Sheet: Why You Should Write Down Your Workday Activities

One day I walked into my boss's office and said,... Read More

How To Prepare For A Telephone Interview

It is important to prepare thoroughly for your telephone interview.Begin... Read More

Are You a Nice Person? What Companies are Looking for in Recruiting and Retaining Great People

Hal Rosenbluth, author of The Customer Comes Second, states; "In... Read More

Resume Writing Dos and Donts

Do these things Include your full name - don't... Read More

Careers In The Advertising Business Internet Marketing Style

So you are interested in seeking a job with an... Read More

What Recruiters Hate About Resumes And Cover Letters

Today, I'm going to share with you the awful truth... Read More

Get a Life Why Dont Ya?!

It's okay to take your job seriously, to be a... Read More

How to Pick the Best Career for You: Part 3

Marketing-with-Intent precisely drives you to your target and with greater... Read More

5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Outplacement Firm

With today's economy, more and more companies are... Read More