Working Mummies Support Group #2

**Teeki** · October 1st, 2014, 07:58 AM

Yeah I was always going to call him. While this won't necessarily be a surprise, I think saying it in an email would be a bit of a shock. It's just that I'd prefer face to face, but I don't think I can call him to come out here with no reason and then quit. So it'll be a phone call today or tomorrow. Then we work out my last day and I'll put it in writing - that will likely be an email.

**Astrid** · October 1st, 2014, 01:12 PM

So the amount looks right - I think I am confused by the Tax Free Threshold - as I was looking at the situation based on what I would earn by end of this contract if I didn't earn any more this tax year. So if by end of contract I am under the Tax Free Threshold then I would get the tax I have paid back right?
.

Yes, if you have paid more tax than you need to, then yes you get it back. It is just that an employer can't technically tax you less as you may only work a part year. What you can try to do is do a Withholding variation with the ATO to reduce the tax you pay now. They do an assessment, then send the employee a Witholding Variation notice that is valid for the Financial year. I have seen execs do this a fair bit as they tend to have to much going on to reduce their tax.

It is a sucky thing about not working consistently over the year. I had that issue when I did a temp role. Got us some extra money now, but it meant that FTB was reduced for the remainder of the year as I had to up my original Income declaration. It was almost not worth working temp, as we relied on that FTB each fortnight.

Teeki - awesome news on the other job.

AFM: One of the painful staff members is leaving!!! I am feeling so much more relaxed now a work. Whilst I did not work directly with her, I struggled with the vibe she brought into the office environment. On top of that she was not suited to the role and thankfully for the business she has recognised that. A huge relief

**MummyNaomi** · October 1st, 2014, 05:28 PM

Congrats Teeki, that's awesome

And yay For annoying ppl leaving Astrid, they can suck the life right out of u

**wysiwyg** · October 1st, 2014, 08:32 PM

There is an article on Womens Agenda, called the 31 most powerful part-timers. Is a kind of interesting read - although I am not quite sure how they qualify what is part-time - this one for example "three days (7am-4pm) and two days (9am-6pm), with home duties shared with her husband" - how is a 40+ hour week considered part-time?

Reading it further it appears it is actually about flexible working - not really just part-time at all. I have found lots of places are totally ok with flexibility but not so much with part-time - as in less hours a week spent working.

**Teeki** · October 1st, 2014, 08:57 PM

Wow, I'd never consider those hours part time! I like the idea of starting earlier and finishing earlier though, I'd have done that if I could.

Astrid, a big woohoo for a bringer-downer leaving! I think it's amazing how one persons attitude can change an entire workplace. Hopefully now you'll get someone that fits the job and the place a little better.

I spoke to my boss today, so he knows I'll be leaving. I'm so torn! I'm excited to get out of this soul destroying job, but I feel like I've put him in a really crappy position. I'm talking to him again tomorrow and then he's coming out next week. I'm guessing it'll be a standard 4 week notice period so I'll finish end of October. Good timing because then I'll be free to do my and DSs birthday party in November.

**wysiwyg** · October 1st, 2014, 09:08 PM

Wow, I'd never consider those hours part time! I like the idea of starting earlier and finishing earlier though, I'd have done that if I could.

Astrid, a big woohoo for a bringer-downer leaving! I think it's amazing how one persons attitude can change an entire workplace. Hopefully now you'll get someone that fits the job and the place a little better.

I spoke to my boss today, so he knows I'll be leaving. I'm so torn! I'm excited to get out of this soul destroying job, but I feel like I've put him in a really crappy position. I'm talking to him again tomorrow and then he's coming out next week. I'm guessing it'll be a standard 4 week notice period so I'll finish end of October. Good timing because then I'll be free to do my and DSs birthday party in November.

I think flexibility and part-time options are both important and both have their place - but it does concern me when the two are being confused and lumped in together.

I have felt bad about leaving people in a bad position but as DH always remind me they don't think twice about leaving you in a bad position e.g. redundancies etc. when it suits them, he thinks the trick is to think like a business and not an individual and that makes it easier. (Although I think is still hard because I do tend to think of the people e.g. boss etc rather than the company working for)

**Teeki** · October 1st, 2014, 09:22 PM

I have felt bad about leaving people in a bad position but as DH always remind me they don't think twice about leaving you in a bad position e.g. redundancies etc. when it suits them, he thinks the trick is to think like a business and not an individual and that makes it easier. (Although I think is still hard because I do tend to think of the people e.g. boss etc rather than the company working for)

Exactly what my DH said. Mostly because the company decided two peoples jobs could be done by one person, I loved my job until that particular change. But that's the company, not my boss. My boss only started his role at the same time as that change and has been fantastic, he tried getting me part time but couldn't. So I'm happy to leave the company, but still hate putting my boss in a tough position.

**peanutter** · October 1st, 2014, 11:22 PM

I know what you mean.

I'm on holidays at the moment, and I keep on wanting to check up on things (have done a few times, but trying not to ...) but DH keeps telling me to stop it - because of lots of reasons, but especially because if anyone tried to contact one of my team when they were on leave, I'd have their hide. Holidays are sacred! Except for mine ...

And there's one overhanging project that I need to do tomorrow ... just have to knock it over, so it's not hanging over for the rest of the holiday, ITMS.

**OceanPrincess** · October 2nd, 2014, 10:02 PM

Aww no more emails Teeki?

Nah just kidding, that's great news.

**Teeki** · October 2nd, 2014, 10:12 PM

Lol OP, we've got til the 30th to get in some emails! I got it all finalised today, it's a huge relief.

**Teeki** · October 14th, 2014, 07:42 AM

2.5 weeks left in this job, I'm on the downward slope! My replacement is already here, it's just the guy that did my maternity leave cover. The branch is really unhappy, I haven't found anyone that he hasn't gotten on the wrong side of.

I was working from home yesterday due to DS having conjunctivitis, and I'm here in the office now wondering where the hell all my stuff is. I didn't have any time for a clean out yesterday and figured it wasn't necessary yet, there's still ages to go. But he's gotten rid of absolutely everything and I've got no idea where he put it. So I'm kind of just waiting for him to turn up so I can get my stuff. It actually feels really rude, like he's completely violated my space

**~TT40~** · October 14th, 2014, 10:23 AM

That is a bit rude, as you arent finished yet.
I still dont know if my leave is approved... i had meeting with my boss and all the paperwork was in over a month ago.
I will find out next week tho, cause that is when the roster is out, so if im on in, no leave...if not i assume its done

**wysiwyg** · October 14th, 2014, 10:35 AM

That is rude Teeki. Fingers crossed TT40. My work still pants, I have had two meetings neither of which made me feel any better about it, seems that I should "just be happy to be able to be part time on days I want" why should I want to do something pesky like contribute :-(. I have never experienced that attitude before, never worked for a woman before either. And they think I will hang around till next year too, mmm I don't think so.

**Teeki** · October 14th, 2014, 06:15 PM

Fingers crossed it's all approved TT40!

Wysiwyg I can't believe that attitude. Why exactly have they hired you? Just for you to turn up and do nothing - why are they paying out money for that? Surely it would be better for you to contribute and help improve the project. I don't get it. Hope you find something that fits you better.

First day with the other guy here done. It's weird, I don't like working right next to him, I get self conscious when I need to make phone calls and stuff lol.

**MummyNaomi** · October 15th, 2014, 09:31 PM

That is so rude Teeki, I'd be ropable if someone took the liberty to clean out my workspace before I'd finished up. sheesh.

No wonder he's gotten on the wrong side of most people!!

**MummyNaomi** · October 21st, 2014, 08:49 PM

I've stopped job hunting. My heart is not in it, I want the christmas holidays off and I will start looking when DS returns to school next year (Feb). Have done my sums and discovered that my redundancy pay will last until July 2016. I am in no hurry. This 7 month long drawn out redundancy has sucked the life, work ethic, passion and brain out of me. I need time off, I need to focus on my kids for a few months and I need to find my fire back. Then I can present myself positively to a prospective employer and knock their socks off.

I am relieved. In hindsight I was panic-job-hunting - it was a total waste of time.

So come Nov 28th - I look forward to be an SAHM for the summer!!

**OceanPrincess** · October 21st, 2014, 09:17 PM

Nay that is a very positive post, so good to read. Enjoy your time with your kiddies!

I had another crap day today. My PM is back on the "what hours are you working, when, call me when you start" bandwagon. It's just horrible - I've never felt like I've had to answer to someone like this before.

I've asked him if I can switch to doing a full day at home, instead of spreading my hours across a few days. Emailed the request through - he hasn't responded yet which I think means he will probably want to talk to me about it on Thurs. I'm really anxious about it all now

Ugh it just sucks. I'm not enjoying it at all

**wysiwyg** · October 22nd, 2014, 09:09 PM

MN - I think it sounds like an excellent plan.

I might be a SAHM for the summer too - just let work know I won't be renewing my contract - how long they will want me to work who knows but is up on 28th November anyway - and I will pull CJ out of daycare to save money - DS will probably just drop a day till Feb.

I will probably be back on here whinging about having no job in a few months - but there is more to life and this one hardly paid anything anyway so without any enjoyment very little point to it. I will sleep well tonight having made a decision I think.

OP - that sounds a pain, I know I would prefer a full day at home instead of the spread - but I know often managers don't just because they aren't organised enough to not want you at their beck and call at some point on several days. Fingers crossed it works out ok for you.