Some of you might remember before I was due to return from leave my firm offered me to go part time for "the summer". I politely declined because I was afraid I would end up staying PT.

Today I was informed that I will be part time starting this week. My hours will be cut down to 3 days a week. Under the NY State Work Share program I will be able to collect unemployment on the 2 days I'm not working. He said at least 50% of my pay? Under the program I still get health insurance and all my benefits, according to HR.

I'm not sure how to feel? On the one hand I wanted to be able to "work from home" two days a week. So in a way I'm getting that with collecting unemployment for the 2 days. But I'm also fearing for my job! What if I stay PT forever or worse get laid off eventually? I really like my firm and if it's this dismal here I highly doubt it's any better elsewhere.

Not only do we have a new baby but we're in the midst of some major gut renovations at the new house. Makes me really reconsider dipping into our savings.

I'm trying to look at this as a blessing in disguise bc I'll get to spend more time with M. But I'm not gonna lie, I'm scared for my job. Sigh.

Anyone in HR know more about this "work share program"? The info online is kinda minimal.