Are you sensing a theme in my titles?
I have to share this with someone, even though judging by my comments, only two people have ever read this blog.
I have recently been signed off work for an extended period of time, as you will know if you've read any previous entries. I returned to work on Monday which, as you can imagine, was GREAT fun (!). My Doctor had offered to sign me off for more time (like a 'long term' sickness thing) but I said I'd prefer to come back and maybe try and cut my hours.
Upon my return to work, I asked my head of department if it would be possible to cut my hours. He said there would be no problem as the NHS is always happy to save money! He also said I would have to discuss it with the people it would effect in my office. I returned to my desk and at the opportune time, had a quiet conversation with the two other secretaries in the room. I told them my problem and discussed it with them in rather more depth than I felt comfortable doing. They were all sympathetic head tilts, and nodding earnestly. I ended the conversation by saying that I was hoping to cut my hours and would they be okay with that. There were no complaints.
Then, I approached the two men I actually work as PA for. They were hugely supportive, and told me "not to beat myself up" and that they were happy for me to change my hours to help my increasing insomnia, and my recovery.
So, I returned to my head of department and said that I'd spoken to all the relevant people, that it was okay, and that I was making the change of hours active immediately.
Today I got into work at 11am, as agreed to this email:
Hi
I've come in this morning to a major upset in the area where you work over your change of hours. It seems the consensus is that it can't happen. Sorry. I thought it had been widely discussed and agreed amongst consultants and secretaries in your area but it seems not. Evil Witch 1* and Evil Witch 2* backed by Consultant that Evil Witch 1 is sleeping with* don't feel they can cover the two hours before 11am each morning.
I'll try and catch up with you later but you need to revert back to your 7.5 hours per day straight away please
Thanks(* - names
may've been changed)
Ah, the irony is that I was looking for a new job, but when I was told I could cut my hours I thought I might try and stay here and see what happened. Ha. And the extra irony? They won't replace me because of money shortages. So the Evil Witches will have to cover 7.5 hours a day instead of 2. This gives me great pleasure.
xx
