Dealing with reduced hours at work

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My job has been frustrating lately.

I've had a lot of reduced hours due to different issues that have arisen. The issues are out of anyone's control but I still expect my hours weekly, whether it's through contact tracing, events, or side projects. With everything going on, it's been back and forth whether or not I'll make my hours for the week. If I don't make my hours I don't get money and can't pay my bills, as that tends to go.

There's also been a back and forth on WHAT I'm doing and when. First I'll be doing x event at y time, then the time changes, or I'm not doing the event at all, or something different happens. It gets really frustrating.

I don't WANT to have to get a different job. I really like what I do. With Covid cases picking up I might get more hours, but nothing is a guarantee. If I get hours, I'm happy to stay. But if not, I really do need money. I'd also be kind of screwing them over if they get a surge in cases and I'm gone.

Getting a second job would be hard just due to transportation (I don't drive and buses don't run that late here), and because of the hours my job has me work now.

How would you proceed? Like I said, I don't want to quit my job unless I have to.

[.Brittany.]

Hi Dez! I'm wondering if you're in a union in your employment? Are you full time or part time?

I know if you're in a union you're guaranteed a certain amount of hours. I know you mentioned a second job isn't really possible, but what if you were to find something casual. I'm not sure if they have that in the states or not, but with something casual they call you when they have a need or a shift available. Another option you have is to contact your boss/manager and see if it's possible for you to get more hours.

I hope this makes sense, if I misunderstood something please let me know!

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I am part time and technically temporary (my contract is until at least Nov 2022). Part of the reason for a potential reduction has to do with funding for incentives/events for vaccine clinics. It's been reduced, of course, because that's just what we need right now. If Covid cases pick up to what they were when I was hired I'll definitely have hours again, but I'm hoping we don't get THAT high again. Like, that was just sad.

We do have casual work I think? It may be what "per diem" is but don't quote me on that. Sometimes the terms throw me off. Part of the issue is if it isn't in my city I won't be able to get there due to transportation. I am still working on the driving thing. It's also why I can't get a higher-up public health job right now. Ugh.

The other thing I'm worried about is insurance. I have to report my income to the state to stay on our insurance and I am afraid of going over and having to buy insurance. Unless my second job makes some serious bank, all my money would be going to medication and provider copays.