Starting a new job next month - negotiating for actual flexibility

Nov 291 min read

Leaving my current place after 6 years. New role pays better, smaller company (50 people), and during interviews I was very explicit about needing flexibility for school stuff.

Their response: "We're flexible, people work when they want as long as the work gets done." I've heard this song before but I'm cautiously optimistic? Their CEO has kids, works from home, seems to actually practice what he preaches.

Anyone ever switched to a smaller company and had it actually be better for work-life stuff? Or should I assume it'll be the same hustle culture just with less HR protection lol

9 comments451 views

Comments(9)

DDave K.Regular14h ago

I fell for this once. 'Flexible culture' meant I worked 7am-6pm anyway but got yelled at when I left for soccer pickup. Smaller company can actually be WORSE because someone's always around and you feel guilty. Push back on vague language now.

RRaj P.Regularjust now

Smart that you nailed down specifics in interviews. But yeah 'flexible as long as work gets done' is corporate-speak for 'you'll end up working 50 hours anyway.' What's your actual red line? Like if there's a school thing, can you just... leave?

DDanny G.Regularjust now

Did they give you any examples of what "flexible" looks like in practice? Like, ask to talk to other dads there if possible. Corporate-speak flexibility and actual flexibility are two different things.

SSteve Q.Regularjust now

With a 50-person company you might actually have more leverage than you think. They can't hide behind "corporate policy." Definitely try to nail down specifics before you start though. First week they're gonna test how flexible you actually are.

GGary R.Regularjust now

Yeah the "flexible if work gets done" line is what everyone says and then September rolls around and suddenly you're doing standup while your kid's teacher is calling because he's sick. Get it in writing. Seriously. What does "flexible" actually mean—work from home days? Can you leave at 2pm for stuff? Define it.

RRich B.Regularjust now

Honestly leaving after 6 years in this situation probably means the old place wasn't giving you flexibility anyway so... upgrade? But yeah vague promises are red flags. You've been around enough to know better.

KKenny W.Regularjust now

The smaller company thing actually might be better though. Less bureaucratic nonsense potentially. But yeah definitely push back on the vague language. Ask specific scenarios: "If my kid has a dental appointment at 10am on a Tuesday, can I take 90 mins?". Make them answer concrete stuff, not abstract vibes.

MMark A.Regularjust now

50 person company is actually the sweet spot potentially. You'll have more direct relationship with management and they can't hide behind 'policy.' But 100% get it in writing or email ASAP. Even just a follow-up like 'wanted to confirm our conversation about flexibility for school events' protects you.

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OOwen F.Regularjust now

Document everything in writing dude. Not in a paranoid way but send them an email recap of what you discussed. 'Thanks for the conversation about flexibility with school stuff - just to confirm we discussed being able to handle X Y Z situations as they come up.' Covers your ass.