You've been a model employee: responsible, industrious, creative and productive. You've gone the extra mile time and again, with a smile.

Now you have a family.

Quite reasonably, you expect that when you ask for an altered work schedule that better fits your family's needs, your employer will go along with you. You've done your homework and developed a written proposal demonstrating that your new schedule is in your employer's interest.

But someone in the organization sees the matter differently and opposes your plan.

Now you face a tough question: IS THIS CONFLICT WORTH THE COST?

Sizing up your choices takes political savvy. How powerful is the person who opposes you? Might you face headaches later if you "win" now?

Are you better off standing your ground, or backing down? Or, is it time to seek work elsewhere?

Maybe the negative reaction to your proposal points to unhealthy workplace dynamics that have long simmered beneath the surface.

Talk to someone you trust about your situation. Proceed carefully, taking pride in your capacity to act with integrity and grace in a difficult situation.

Then, no matter what happens, you will hold your head high.

(c) Norma Schmidt 2004

Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC specializes in helping working mothers create balance. She offers coaching and workshops and publishes a free e-mail newsletter, "The Balance Point." Complementary sample coaching sessions are available. Visit http://www.NormaSchmidt.com