Increased pressure and ticking clocks, relationship friction, duty and responsibility, loss of control, failures and mistakes, moral dilemmas and temptations, power struggles, losing an advantage, ego-related conflict

A character's work hours can be decreased for any number of economic reasons: a merger, budget cuts due to losing a primary investor, or an economic downturn. It also could happen following a poor performance review or for a more arbitrary reason, such as a personality clash with the boss. Whatever the cause, it can cause significant financial difficulties, as well as internal conflict over whether or not to look elsewhere for work. It can be a minor challenge but can cause great hardship when it's combined with other difficulties and becomes the final straw.

The character having to plead their case to try and reverse the decision
Learning that the hours of an inferior or incapable co-worker haven't been cut
Having to find a second job to supplement the lost income
Leaving the job altogether and having to start again somewhere else
Having to explain the situation to others
Being forced to tighten the family budget
Children or a spouse struggling to adapt to lifestyle changes
Running into co-workers whose hours haven't been impacted
Knowing the decision was personally motivated but not being able to prove it
Dealing with criticism from loved ones