I know only I can decide.

I have been in this job 4 months and at first it was good, many elements of this job suit my personality (very active physically), and although there were downsides (every job has those) it's only last month or so I've started to question whether I should stay.

I only wanted part time, so I applied for PT, and the hours/shifts were perfect for me. Bit by bit they have increased my hours, at first they consulted, I agreed to an extra shift (they were short-staffed) thereafter made my wishes not to work extra known but they scheduled the rota for me to do more anyway. I'm edging nearer to FT every week.

This alone is making me feel unhappy, but also some days my workload has been so big I have had to stay back in order to complete it. We have one member of staff on our team on LT sickness (she's never been there since I started) and I have a feeling this is the problem (the whole store has several on LT sick leave). I am hoping when she comes back the workload will decrease and maybe I can go back to contracted hours - if this happened I would be happier.

There are no supervisions or opportunities for me to feedback how the job is going for me, it's a typical fast-paced retail environment, people there are pleasant enough but it's like they want what they want and we have to jump to it, no questions.

4 months isn't long I know, and I'd run the risk of a similar situation, or even worse perhaps.

On the other hand I'll never know unless I try.

Anyone made the leap after a similarly short time?

[Rojola]

In this economy having full-time work might be a blessing. If you like the job and you like the coworkers I would say take as many hours as you can, and even work overtime (with overtime pay of course) and make lots of money.

[TishaBuv]

Only go when there's somewhere better to go.

[seesaw]

prefab, I would see if you could at least make your position known. Tell whomever schedules you that you can only work X hours a week because you were brought on as part time and that was the agreement. In the meantime, look for another position, and once you find one, leave (unless current job backs off adding hours).

Good luck,
seesaw

Thanks all, yes Seesaw that's pretty much what I've started doing applying for other jobs, but of course I can't really know whether it would be better somewhere else or not. It'd be a chance. In the meantime it might not harm to get a few interviews.

I really need to have a serious talk about the hours again and see what their response is.

Thanks Rojola, please don't think bad of me when I say I'm very fortunate that I don't need FT hours, I realise that is unusual and I'm very lucky.

Maybe they thought your first consent is for all extra shifts. There should be a manager to talk to about these things. Try to defend yourself diplomatically in a way that you keep the job, but work your part time hours as you planned originally. I hope they compensated you about the extra hours you worked.

Originally Posted by Lonely Warrior

Maybe they thought your first consent is for all extra shifts. There should be a manager to talk to about these things. Try to defend yourself diplomatically in a way that you keep the job, but work your part time hours as you planned originally. I hope they compensated you about the extra hours you worked.

Thanks, yes they are a fair employer in that I am hourly paid so get paid on my clock on/off time.

I am trying to be diplomatic but firm, this last weekend they till (cashier)trained me to cover in busy periods and were quite expectant that I would want overtime in addition to my own job and come back for extra shifts on the till. I stated firmly that I would not be interested in extra till shifts (my contract is not till operator so they cannot insist on this). This was hard for me as I am a people pleaser by nature and also I am aware I am grateful to have a job.