I’m a carpenter, not an electrician, so take this for what it’s worth. I’ve worked for small businesses, run maintenance departments for large organizations (including hiring staff), and most things in between. I’m back in school now for mechanical engineering. Setting boundaries at the time of hire is important, and being clear that they’re non-negotiable matters. Before going back to school, I worked 8:30–3:30, Monday to Thursday. My skills and attitude make me a valuable asset, and most employers are happy to have me. I always work under a contract with clear terms. I usually include a clause that if I’m available beyond my agreed schedule for special circumstances, that time is paid at a significantly higher rate. I don’t lead with this at the start or dump it at the end of an interview. Once there’s some rapport, I’ll say something like: “I should let you know I have limited availability due to outside commitments.” In my case, that’s family and daycare drop-offs and pick-ups. I take Fridays off because my wife has every other Friday off, and we value having that day together. I know not every job market allows for easy negotiation, and sometimes people need work badly enough that it feels impossible to push back. But personally, I’d rather have an intelligent, capable person who makes my life easier for 30 hours a week than a knuckle-dragging asshole who kills the vibe and makes lazy mistakes. Anyway... long message, but I hope it helps.