Changing a Work Shift

Scene: Monday morning at the office. Sara knocks on her manager’s open door to talk about her schedule.

SARA: Hi, Mr. Lee. Do you have a minute?

MR. LEE: Sure, Sara. Come in. What’s going on?

SARA: I wanted to ask about my shift on Friday. I’m scheduled for the afternoon, from 1 to 9.

MR. LEE: Yes, that’s right. Is there a problem?

SARA: I have a family appointment at 4 p.m., and I really need to be there. Is it possible to change my shift?

MR. LEE: I see. What kind of change are you thinking about?

SARA: Could I work the morning shift instead? For example, from 9 to 5?

MR. LEE: Let me check the schedule…

MR. LEE: Okay, we have an extra person in the morning and we’re short one person in the evening on Thursday.

SARA: So maybe I can switch my Friday shift with Thursday evening?

MR. LEE: That could work. Are you free on Thursday from 1 to 9?

SARA: Yes, that’s fine with me.

MR. LEE: Great. I’ll update the schedule and send an email to confirm the change.

SARA: Thank you so much. I really appreciate your help.

MR. LEE: No problem. Next time, please try to tell me a little earlier, if you can.

SARA: Of course. I’ll remember that.

— THE END —

Vocabulary List

Shift /ʃɪft/ (n.) a period of time when a person works. Example: I’m scheduled for the afternoon shift on Friday.
Schedule /ˈskedʒuːl/ (n.) a plan that shows when work or activities happen. Example: Let me check the schedule.
Appointment /əˈpɔɪntmənt/ (n.) a meeting at a specific time, often for work or family needs. Example: I have a family appointment at 4 p.m.
Possible /ˈpɑːsəbl/ (adj.) able to be done or happen. Example: Is it possible to change my shift?
Switch /swɪtʃ/ (v.) to change one thing for another. Example: Maybe I can switch my Friday shift with Thursday evening.
Extra /ˈekstrə/ (adj.) more than what is needed. Example: We have an extra person in the morning.
Short (of people) /ʃɔːrt ʌv ˈpiːpl/ (phr.) not having enough workers. Example: We’re short one person in the evening.
Update /ˈʌpdeɪt/ (v.) to change something so it is correct or new. Example: I’ll update the schedule.
Confirm /kənˈfɜːrm/ (v.) to say or show that something is correct. Example: I’ll send an email to confirm the change.
Appreciate /əˈpriːʃieɪt/ (v.) to be thankful for something someone does. Example: I really appreciate your help.

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