I am having some problems at my job that I am not sure how to handle. My job has been great for the last 5 years. Of course that was pre-baby. Ever since I have had the baby, I just keep feeling that I can't continue to do this job, but need the pay and the benefits.
The problem is they keep trying to schedule me for shifts they know I can't do. Also making last minute schedule changes, sometimes with asking me and sometimes without.
I sat down two months ago with my big boss and asked him if there was anyway possible for me to cut back to a 4 day work week. Of course, he tried to convince me otherwise, telling me to think about it. I told him, that I wouldn't be talking to him about it if I hadn't already given it thought. For about a week after that he kept telling me he was working on it. But since then, I haven't heard a thing.
How do I get it through to them that I really need this, without losing my job? HELP...

I have to also mention the hours of my shifts mostly 3pm-1am. Makes day care impossible, have to rely on friends and family.

Well, I think I would start looking for other work...with a baby and being a single mom you might want to consider a job with regular hours...unless of course your willing to hang in there for a bit longer till baby no longer requires day care...

depends how important your job is ...

My family and friends are great, they are always there. I just have a problem making my job realize that When I ask for something I need it. How do I make them listen?

That is a tough one...many do not take the time to consider employees personal lifestyles and what they need to balance everything....that is unfortunate because it creates an atmosphere of unsatisfied employees...

some are going to play hardball and won't care what your personal needs are...and some will listen...pesronally , if i had already asked and they don't want to do anything, then I wouldn't push the issue or they may find a reason to start pushing you out....

do you have someone in a higher position than the person you already asked that might be willing to make some changes for you? sometimes it is all in who you ask.

I did originally go to a person above me that I thought would help me out. He is usually very understanding. i don't know whether he is avoiding the topic or if he is just so busy he actually forgot. He can do that from time to time.

Perhaps he is trying to find ways to accomodate that, maybe thinking of a back up plan for you..hard to tell..
If you already approached him, then sit on it for a bit, and maybe something will come up and if nothing comes of it, perhaps approach him again...

As for me, I rarely ask for anything twice...I ask, I wait, and then I move on...my family comes first.

That was my plan, just wanted some other input. I am already looking for other work, but unfortunatly they make my pay and benefit package at the current job hard to match or beat in this area. But, I am sure it will all work out. Thanks for your help.