Free from 9 to 5 Chronicles of people and ideas to inspire and achieve freedom from a 9 to 5 job

Traditional 9 to 5 company policies

My job isn’t actually all that bad. I get to write software to make hardware do really cool things, like zap data across a piece of wire or make motors spin. I have thought many times how I wouldn’t mind this job at all if only I didn’t have to be there for upwards of 9 hours a day. I would gladly reduce my salary proportionately for, say, a 25 or 30 hour work week, as I build up a business on the side or even just to enjoy more time for myself. But this isn’t feasible because almost all traditional 9 to 5 company policies (including my employer’s) aren’t conducive to part time work.

First of all, I would lose all benefits. My medical insurance, dental insurance, and 401K (with 4% matching) would all go away.

Secondly, limited and decreased facetime at work would make me a less valuable “resource”, limiting bonuses, raises and promotions. I no longer care about promotions; I don’t care to advance past where I am now. The added stress and responsibility isn’t worth the few extra K’s, but I do want to continue getting raises and bonuses as long as I’m there.

And last of all, it isn’t written down, but part time workers are least protected when it comes time for downsizing. Part-timers would be among the first to be let go when times get tough.

These policies are instituted as they are to save money (what else?). More part time workers would mean more overhead, less bang for the buck. Companies are starting to acknowledge work-life balance and quality of life issues these days, but in the end, profit will trump any quality of life every time.