Part-Time Isn’t the Magic Fix to Burnout

When I was feeling overwhelmed in my career, the most common advice I received was, "Just go part-time." It seemed to be the go-to solution offered by leaders, social media groups, and well-meaning colleagues. And while going part-time is a great option for some, it's not the right answer for everyone.

There are many reasons why going part-time might not be feasible. Some people simply can't afford it financially. Others have loan repayment obligations that require them to maintain full-time status. For some, their employer doesn’t allow part-time work, even though they find their job meaningful and fulfilling. The assumption that cutting hours will magically solve burnout is flawed—and, frankly, frustrating.

The Problems with the "Go Part-Time" Solution

1. You Might Still Be Overworked Many people who reduce their hours find that their workload doesn’t actually decrease in proportion to their schedule. Instead of working fewer hours, they end up cramming the same responsibilities into a shorter timeframe. Tasks that used to be spread over five days now need to fit into three. The stress doesn’t disappear—it just condenses.

2. The Hidden Costs of Part-Time Work Going part-time often comes with financial drawbacks beyond just a smaller paycheck. Benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave may be reduced or even eliminated. Sometimes, the cut in salary feels disproportionately large compared to the actual decrease in work hours, making it a financially stressful decision rather than a relieving one.

3. The Time-Filling Trap There’s a quote that says, "Work expands to fill the time available for its completion." If you reduce your hours but don’t change the way you work, your newfound free time may quickly fill up with the same stressors—just in a different form. If you don’t set clear boundaries, that "extra time" can become an illusion. You may find yourself answering emails on your day off, feeling guilty for not being available, or simply using that time to take on more obligations elsewhere.

4. The Emotional Toll of Part-Time Work For some, going part-time can lead to unexpected feelings of guilt or inadequacy. You may feel pressure to "make up" for your reduced hours by over performing in the time you do have. If you’re still overwhelmed, you might start questioning whether you’re good enough or if you made the right decision. Instead of solving burnout, part-time work might just shift the struggle to a different aspect of your life.

Finding sustainable ways to work is crucial

A More Sustainable Approach to Finding Balance

Going part-time can be part of a solution, but it’s not a magic bullet. The key to reducing overwhelm isn’t just about working fewer hours—it’s about changing how you approach both work and life. Here’s what actually makes a difference:

1. Setting Boundaries Cutting hours doesn’t help if you don’t also cut the expectations that lead to burnout. Learning to say "no," delegating tasks, and setting clear limits on your availability are crucial.

2. Learning to Recover You can’t just remove work—you have to replace it with meaningful rest and recovery. That means prioritizing sleep, hobbies, and activities that recharge you, not just filling the extra time with more obligations.

3. Using Your Time Intentionally If you don’t change how you use your time, you’ll end up feeling just as overwhelmed as before. Identify what truly matters to you, both at work and at home, and focus your energy there. This could mean negotiating for more flexibility, shifting your schedule, or simply letting go of unnecessary tasks.

Alternatives to Going Part-Time

If reducing your hours isn’t an option—or if it doesn’t seem like the right choice—there are other ways to create more balance:

• Flexible Scheduling: Adjust your hours to better fit your life without necessarily cutting them.

• Job Crafting: Reshape your role to focus more on what fulfills you and less on what drains you.

• Remote or Hybrid Work: If possible, reducing commuting time and working from home can free up mental and physical energy.

• Boundary Reinforcement: Protect your personal time and resist the pressure to always be "on."

The Bottom Line

Part-time work can be a helpful tool, but it’s not a cure-all. If you don’t also change the way you approach work, rest, and time management, reducing your hours won’t bring the relief you’re hoping for. True balance comes from setting boundaries, allowing yourself to recover, and being intentional with your time.

If you’re looking for real solutions to break free from the cycle of chaos, I can help. Let’s work together to find a sustainable path to balance—whether that includes going part-time or not.   Join my free masterclass Pathway from Chaos to Calm!  You will hear what strategies you can use and learn how to work with me!

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