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I AM going through a divorce and hoping to get full custody of my children. It’s been a troubling time but one I can hopefully see the end of soon. To be a single dad I will need more flexible working hours. I’m a van driver for a big haulage firm and I tend to work days. How do I broach this with my employers?
I don’t want them to think I’m not fully committed to the company as I am up for promotion next year. My boss hasn’t been very sympathetic to employees’ personal issues in the past.
Scott, 42, Glasgow
WELL done for putting your kids first like this. I really admire you, Scott.
It’s not going to be easy, and you know that. It won’t be helped by having an unsympathetic boss. You can’t change him or her (well, you could, but that’s a whole different kettle of fish). What you can do is approach this deftly and to the best of your ability.
Approach your boss with a clear, logical and sensible plan in place already – or maybe even two or three different options to choose from. I’m a boss myself and you can take it from me that we do not want problems, we want solutions! While it would be lovely if you could just go to your boss and explain your situation and expect them to be sympathetic, it often
a DON’T just present boss problem to a to and expect them deal with it. Help Don’t them sort it. the just give them them problem, give potential solutions at it. while you’re doesn’t work that way. Instead, you should outline that you do have a problem – but then immediately proceed to deliver the solution. You are clearly committed to your employer, and clearly very keen for this promotion next year. Seize the opportunity to let your boss know this. If you handle this situation well, Scott, you could turn the whole thing round to your favour.