We asked working mother, Ariane to tell us about the arrangement she has made with her company to work part-time and how it has impacted her life.

Is your part-time position the same as your full-time position, or is this just a different position in the same company?

Yes, it's the same position. When I was full time, I focused on Accounting and heavily supported the Customer Service department. The only change is that I am less involved with customer service.

How did you go about switching to part-time?

I asked. The company I currently work for has never offered a part-time position, but I had some traumatic personal events in my life and realized I could no longer give full-time to my company. I took a week off and e-mailed my boss, I offered to resign if part-time was not something he could offer, and instead we sat down and worked it out.

You are currently working part-time, but you were recently employed full-time. How long did you work full-time and how long have you been part-time?

I worked full-time at this company for 2 years, and have been part-time for about a year now.

What is your work schedule like? (i.e. set schedule, flexible, 20 hours, 30 hours)

It can be flexible, generally 24 hours a week Mon, Tues and Fri, if they need support another day or I need to switch for personal reasons it is easily worked out.

What is your work/balance life like? Do you get to enjoy the extra time you have, if so what do you do for yourself?

I love having the extra time for myself and my family, whether I work on home projects or choose to plan mini-vacations in the middle of the week. It's great to have the opportunity to get housework and food shopping done when my daughter is in school and not taking up our weekends. I don't think I could go back to being a full time employee!

What do you think some of the advantages to working part-time are? Disadvantages?

The biggest advantage is saving time, and money (transportation, daycare). It gives me the ability to work on my stuff while my daughter is in school and have the time for her when she is home. Disadvantages: No sick time, no vacation, less pay.

How has your life changed since you switched to part-time?

I feel more available to my family. I am more relaxed because I have time to myself and my family. I am happier at work because it is not a burden.

Is there anything I missed that you want to add?

More companies should have part-time employees and employees that work from home. We should be focusing on a healthy work life balance. It promotes happier workers who produce better work.