Hi girls,

I spoke to my boss again last week about this and said that I thought I may apply. He was glad because he reckons it's his best interests to get the most qualified people applying. He then asked me about my thoughts on having to come back full-time.

I basically said that a lot can happen in 12 months, and if I got the job, it seemed reasonable for me to expect that should I wish to return part-time, that this dept make an effort at the very least to try to accomodate me. Because, if he says he wants the best people, and he believes I am one, then certainly it seems that the pain of short-term part-time would be worth it if you end up retaining that person. He agreed (how could he not and still be politically correct?) and said that I should apply and, assuming I get the job, when I wanted to return, we would review the situation and try to come a to mutually beneficial arrangement.

I don't know if I've shot myself in the foot and will now have no chance of getting the job, but I thought I made a fair point and even though the world doesn't work that way, I don't see why I have to make compromises right from the get-go, before even starting leave. So I'll apply and hope for the best. Of course, the interviews are scheduled for when I'm due....

love
sushee