04 | Work Schedule

Today you will learn 5 new English words related to "Work Schedule"

Author

SEWT Team
August 21, 2025

There’s an advanced English lesson waiting for you

Understanding “work schedules” is an essential topic for you, an ESL learner, because it affects your ability to manage time, communicate with your employer, and balance your personal life. Whether you're clocking in at a job, attending meetings, or planning time off, knowing how to read and talk about a work schedule is key to professional success. Mastering today’s vocabulary will help you stay organized, meet expectations, and feel more confident in any workplace. Let’s jump right in!

5 TERMS

  1. Shift (Noun): A period of time someone is scheduled to work.

  2. Overtime (Noun): Time worked beyond regular hours, often paid at a higher rate.

  3. Flexible (Adjective): Able to change or adapt easily; often used to describe work hours that are not fixed.

  4. Deadline (Noun): The latest time or date by which something must be completed.

  5. Availability (Noun): The times and days someone is free to work or attend an activity.

EXAMPLE SENTENCES

  1. Shift

    • I work the morning shift from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    • She asked to change her shift so she could attend class.

    • The night shift can be difficult for some people.

  2. Overtime

    • He earned extra money by working overtime last weekend.

    • My boss asked if I could stay for overtime.

    • Employees get paid more for overtime hours.

  3. Flexible 

    • I prefer a flexible schedule so I can take care of my kids.

    • Her job is very flexible—she can start anytime before 10 a.m.

    • The company offers flexible hours to support work-life balance.

  4. Deadline

    • I have a big project due before the deadline on Friday.

    • Missing a deadline can affect your performance review.

    • He worked late to finish everything before the deadline.

  5. Availability

    • Please let your manager know your availability for next week.

    • Her availability changed after she started school.

    • We hired someone whose availability matched our busiest hours.

EXAMPLE PARAGRAPH

When applying for a job, it’s important to be honest about your availability and whether you prefer a flexible or fixed schedule. Some positions require working a specific shift, while others allow more freedom. Be sure to ask about overtime policies and whether there are any regular deadlines you’ll need to meet. Understanding your schedule will help you stay organized and succeed at work.