Working part-time in a senior creative role can feel like balancing on a high wire with no net. You’re producing brilliant work in less time, yet you can’t shake the feeling that you should be proving yourself even more. If you work part time and feel like there is an expectation to put in more than full time workers, you’re not alone. It’s a pressure many creative professionals face in today’s “flexible” work world.

This question was answered by Nick Hunter – Co-founder, CEO and Executive Creative Director of Paper Moose, a B Corp certified creative agency. He brings real-life experience in supporting part-time senior roles and navigating workplace expectations. Dr. Khristin Highet – Clinical Psychologist and founder of Mind Evolution Enterprises, adds over 15 years of expertise in workplace wellbeing and organisational consultancy. The conversation was guided by Andy Wright – Host, CEO of Streamtime and founder of Never Not Creative.

Check Your Assumptions First

Before you jump to conclusions about workplace expectations, Nick suggests hitting pause: "The important thing is to make sure that you're talking with your leadership team and everyone in the business and making sure that your expectations are aligned with each other, because sometimes we can also put these feelings upon ourselves when maybe they actually just love everything that you're doing and there isn't that feeling of expectation."

It’s a good reminder that sometimes the pressure we feel is self-imposed. The gap between what we think is expected and what’s really expected can pile on unnecessary stress.

Navigate the Practical Challenges

Nick is realistic about the challenges: "It is tricky when everyone is there five days a week and you know what's happening on that day where emails have to still be sent and all of that kind of thing." This is where clear conversations with your manager come in. The aim is to avoid a situation where you’re squeezing “four weeks work within your less contracted time.”

The right systems and processes will help you stick to your part-time hours without sacrificing the quality of your work or creeping into overwork territory.

Recognize Your Value and Negotiate

If you’re consistently hitting goals in less time, Nick sees an opportunity: "It's a great opportunity for salary negotiation I would have thought if you're hitting 38 hours worth of work in 25 hours. I would say that that's a great opportunity to have a chat about how much you are actually worth compared to other people that are doing 38 hours and 38 hours."

This flips the narrative. Rather than feeling guilty about working fewer hours, own your efficiency. It’s a skill and a strength that deserves recognition and fair compensation.

Set Healthy Boundaries

Khristin knows boundaries are key when expectations creep too high: "If indeed there was an expectation to put more in, this is where there is an opportunity to really set some healthy boundaries for yourself and that involves speaking with your manager around your current tasks and your workload and the time frames required to do that."

She’s clear that communicating "great work takes time and focus and that it's just not humanly possible to do those kinds of things" isn’t making excuses. It’s helping your workplace understand what quality creative work realistically requires.

Model a Different Way of Working

Cultural pressure can be real. Khristin notes how this shows up when "others are perhaps seen to be staying back longer after their finish time or even sitting at their desks and eating their lunch." Her advice: "we don't always have to do the things that other people do."

Instead, part of boundary-setting can be modeling a healthier approach. By holding your limits and proving that great work happens inside reasonable hours, you could start shifting the culture for everyone.

Take Initiative in Problem-Solving

If things feel like they’re about to tip over, Khristin encourages a proactive stance: "If worse comes to worst and things are really going to sort of being pushed on you, you know this is where you have the opportunity to put forward ideas to your management of what you think would be helpful and bring ideas to the table so that you're not allowing them to make the decision for you and then ask them for their input on those ideas that you shared with them."

This approach makes you a partner in solving the problem, not someone simply resisting more work.

Find Support Through Community

When you work part time and feel like there is an expectation to put in more than full time workers, it helps to talk to others who get it. Never Not Creative Circles offer a safe space to connect with other creative professionals facing the same challenges. These peer-led groups are designed to help you share experiences, negotiate boundaries, and build confidence in your work arrangements. Learn more about NNC Circles.

Know When to Seek Professional Support

Boundary-setting is part of working life, but if the pressure becomes relentless it can impact your wellbeing. If you’re constantly anxious about performance, can’t switch off, or your stress is bleeding into the rest of your life, it might be time to reach out for professional support. Speaking with someone can help you build strategies for workplace stress and reclaim confidence in your worth. Find resources for professional support.

You're Proving Your Worth Every Day

If you work part time and feel like there is an expectation to put in more than full time workers, remember this: your results and impact speak louder than your hours. Delivering strong work in fewer hours is something to celebrate, not apologise for.

The sweet spot lies in collaborating openly with your leaders, acknowledging your value, and advocating for boundaries that keep your work sustainable. Protecting your wellbeing and producing high-quality creative output go hand in hand, and the right workplace will understand and support both.

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