How to say “I'd like to go part time” professionally
Why it can fall flat
“I'd like to go part time”
The phrase “part time” is vague because it names no days, no start date and no request to talk, so your manager has to guess what you expect. A practical conversation about fewer hours is what most people actually need.
Say this instead
- 01
I'd like to talk about moving to a four-day week. Could we find 20 minutes this week or next to see whether that could work for the team?
Boss · Email
Use it to open the formal conversation, since it names a specific schedule and asks for a meeting instead of announcing a decision.
- 02
Do you have a few minutes this week to talk about my working hours? I'd like to discuss reducing to three days a week from next quarter.
Boss · Chat
Good when you have a rough plan and want a quick slot booked, with a clear start date for your manager to consider.
- 03
Hi Jesse, could we find time this week to talk about reducing my hours? Nothing urgent, I'd just like to plan it properly.
Boss · SMS
Suits a manager you already text, because it signals the topic and keeps the tone calm before you meet in person.
- 04
I've agreed with Priya that I'll move to four days a week from March 1. I'll be off on Fridays, so tell me if a handover would help.
Coworker · Chat
Send it only after your manager has agreed, so colleagues hear a settled plan and know what changes for them.
- 05
I've asked to move to part-time hours. Nothing is final yet, but I wanted you to hear it from me first. I'll share more once it's decided.
Someone you manage · Chat
Try it once your manager has the request, and explain how work will be covered once it's agreed so your team isn't left guessing.
- 06
From March 1 I'll be working Monday to Wednesday. Lou will be your contact on Thursdays and Fridays, and I'm glad to go through any open items beforehand.
Client · Email
Send it once the new hours are confirmed, because it gives the client exact days and a named contact so nothing feels dropped.
- 07
I'm looking for a part-time role of around 24 hours a week, ideally over three days. Could you tell me whether this position could be offered on those terms?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Best early in the process, since it states your hours up front and shows both sides quickly whether the role can fit.
Examples
Hi Monica, I'd like to ask about moving to a four-day week, working Monday to Thursday, from the start of April. I've thought about how my current projects could be covered and can put together a handover plan. Could we find 20 minutes this week to talk it through? Thanks, Rahul
Hi Monica, could we chat for 15 minutes this week about my hours? I'd like to propose a four-day week from April and talk through how work would be covered.
What to avoid
- Be careful who you tell before your manager, because word travels and they should hear it from you first.
- Don't present it as a final decision if you are still asking for their agreement.
- Vague hints like “I'm thinking about my options” leave people guessing, so say which days or hours you have in mind.
- Over-explaining or apologizing for asking isn't needed, since a short, practical reason is enough.
- A rushed hallway moment or the end of a busy meeting is the wrong time to raise it.