I have a part-time job.
I’m contracted for 25 hours.
Recently, I asked to protect
my Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
My manager emailed HR.
They sent back a form for me to fill in.
It was for flexible working.
I had thought my part-time position
was already that.
Turns out this human is a resource
for the company
and 25 hours
can be spread over any of the seven days
in a week.
Except, when I asked to see my contract,
it wasn’t forthcoming.
And the form still sits unsigned in my car.
I’ve looked at the roster
and I’m not working Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays
for the foreseeable.
I’m a human resource.
I fit in.
It’s a pattern I’ve noticed.
I cook. I clean. I shop. I wash up. Do the laundry.
Work part-time?
That’s funny.
I even walk the dog.
Poor thing wouldn’t see the light of day otherwise.
And, yes, I have children.
Older than they once used to be
but that doesn’t end your responsibilities.
Flexible working.
Well, wouldn’t that be fine?
When did the human part of the resource get forgotten?
She’s here. She’s a bit tired. She’s me.