Vibecode When I Work

track this build5 steps, step by step
KINDA · weekend project
price $2.5/moyou'd save $30/yrbuild time closest consolation build: multi-daycategory 🧑‍💼 hrreplaced by 0 people

The core loop is buildable, but a dependable replacement becomes a real weekend or multi-day project. For When I Work, build a small shift schedule, availability form, and swap approval workflow. The hard boundary is mobile apps, time clock, notifications, scheduling edge cases, and support, plus compliance, payroll, and regulated integrations.

the project pack4 files · fastest path to a working personal build
README.md
# When I Work indie build

## Goal

Build the smallest trustworthy replacement for the core When I Work workflow for one developer or a tiny team.

## Scope

Build a small shift schedule, availability form, and swap approval workflow, maintain approvals and records, and export data without calculating payroll or making employment decisions.

## Quick start

1. Install the documented dependencies.
2. Copy `.env.example` to `.env`.
3. Run the development command chosen during implementation.
4. Complete the acceptance checks in `BUILD_PLAN.md`.

## Honest limits

This build deliberately does not replace:
- mobile apps, time clock, notifications, scheduling edge cases, and support
- payroll rails
- tax and labor-law compliance
- benefits integrations
- identity checks and global employment infrastructure

If those capabilities are essential, use Frappe HR instead of pretending the gap is solved.

$ choose a build depth, inspect the files, then open the complete pack in your agent · this prompt is generated from the build plan · improve it via PR

why people still pay

People still pay for When I Work because HR platforms survive because mistakes affect pay, benefits, immigration, and legal obligations, not because forms are difficult to render. The recurring cost buys sensitive data, access, retention, audit, payroll calculations, filings, benefits, employment law, incident response, and support, not just the visible interface.

what you lose

xmobile apps, time clock, notifications, scheduling edge cases, and support

xpayroll rails

xtax and labor-law compliance

xbenefits integrations

xidentity checks and global employment infrastructure

share on X ↗"I just replaced When I Work ($2.5/mo) with one prompt"
the escape hatch

Don't feel like building it? These folks already made it free.

Sling FreeSchedules, availability and manager-approved swaps for 30 people; the time clock costs extra.$0free7shifts CompA small roster, availability form and approved shift trades for one 15-person location.$0freeConnecteam Small Business PlanScheduling, availability and shift changes for ten people; employee eleven ends the free plan.$0free

all 3 free alternatives to When I Work →· no votes, no pay-to-list · just what's real

the numbers

When I Work pricing

planmonthlyannual (per mo)what you get
essentials$2.50/user$2.38/userScheduling and team messaging; price per user/month
pro$5/user$4.75/userExpanded scheduling, controls, and reporting; price per user/month
premium$8/user$7.60/userAdvanced scheduling and workforce controls; price per user/month

free tierno free tier; 14-day trial with no card

billingmonthly + annual (annual is prepaid and 5% lower)

hidden costsTime Tracking & Attendance is a separately toggled add-on with no public price on the live plan table. Annual plans cannot reduce seats or downgrade until within 30 days of renewal, use manual renewal, and are non-refundable.

verified 2026-08-10 · source ↗

questions
Vibecode When I Work

Kinda. The core of When I Work is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: mobile apps, time clock, notifications, scheduling edge cases, and support, payroll rails. Read the honest list above before committing.

How much does When I Work cost?

When I Work costs about $2.5/month (Essentials, checked 2026-07-31), which is $30 per year.

What do I lose by replacing When I Work?

Honestly: mobile apps, time clock, notifications, scheduling edge cases, and support; payroll rails; tax and labor-law compliance; benefits integrations; identity checks and global employment infrastructure. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.

Is there an open-source alternative to When I Work?

Yes: Sling Free (Schedules, availability and manager-approved swaps for 30 people; the time clock costs extra.) 7shifts Comp (A small roster, availability form and approved shift trades for one 15-person location.) Connecteam Small Business Plan (Scheduling, availability and shift changes for ten people; employee eleven ends the free plan.) All 3 curated free alternatives are at vibecodeit.com/when-i-work/alternatives. The prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.