What's a tactful way to ask for less hours at work?

Did you have a contractual agreement for the 30 hrs./week. If so, you’re not doing anything wrong by wanting to work the designated work week.

(And ask for fewer, rather than lesser, hours.)

If it is what was agreed to, they should abide by that. I would politely remind them that they were fully informed about your obligations outside of work, knew you could only work 30 hours a week and accepted your coming to work there with that understanding. She was out of line saying that to your dad.

The timing may actually be fortuitous. After all, your class schedule is a concrete reminder of their agreement and a perfect opening for having the old “As long as we are talking about school, I need to remind you that….”

Are you being paid for the extra hours?

I agree with @diavolobella. When you give the assistant manager your upcoming school schedule, just politely say, with this schedule, I really need to go back to the hours we agreed upon when I was hired. The extra hours each week are cutting into my other obligations that you were aware of when I was hired.

I’d point out that you’ve been trying to do it and perhaps say you’d be willing to work some extra hours when school isn’t in session (like during holiday breaks and summer break if you are).

“When you originally hired me, we agreed that I would work no more than thirty hours a week. My family responsibilities make it very difficult for me to be away any longer.”

“I don’t know how it happened, but I am working nearly full time now. Due to an opportunity I have to increase my skill set, I will be going back to our negotiated schedule as of next week. That will be from 10–4 each day (or whatever it is). I really appreciate the confidence you have shown you have in me by having me work more hours. I think that by moving to our negotiated schedule, and by developing new skills, I will become even more valuable to our organization.”

Oh yes—so much more valuable that you should really give me a raise for the dedication I have shown and the skill with which I have performed the work here.

Ahhh. Who could resist?

They’ll probably ask you to take over the company! :-)

@noelleptc I was thinking about that. I think you should rehearse the reasons why you are of value to them, and how you interpret their actions to support this idea. Similarly, think of how what you will do will make you more valuable. Rehearse it on your child, just to remind yourself of who it is for.

If you remember your talking points, you don’t have to say it word for word. You just get to your points as needed.

The other key is to listen and to recognize when they say yes. Once they say yes, you don’t need to persuade them any more. Just work on formalizing the agreement.

In any case, whenever you have to do this in life, remember to say everything in terms of a positive (so you don’t say I can’t work that much any more and you do say I will become a more valuable employee). This is all about spin. Framing the story the way you want them to see it. From that one simple principle, you can handle any situation that requires this (and most situations at work do require it).

@noelleptc If you are concerned about how it will come out when you are talking about it, you could always give it to them in writing with the copy of your schedule. Perhaps give it to them at the beginning of your shift, giving your assistant manager a chance to read over it, and let him know you’d like to discuss it before the end of your shift or they leave for the day.

@noelleptc I cannot believe she was so unprofessional. Saying that to your Dad? Oh my.

Didn’t read anything above so might be repeating. I would mention to your boss: “If you need to reduce hours anywhere keep me in mind, it would work well for me as I’m a little over loaded right now as it is. I have three hourly employees that answer to me so I think this would be a good approach.

Congratulations!