Advice - Started New Job expected to work unpaid overtime

rocket123

I recently started a new job and my contract is for a 35 hour week, 9 to 5 however everybody seems to work very long sometimes unsociable hours. I do not think this is acceptable and the norm seems to be 9-9pm. I don't want to rock the boat but am considering leaving after very short time in the role because of this.
Any advice welcomed.

toadyfrog

What would happen if you just got up and went off at 5pm

ossie

Depends on the "Salary" offered divided by hours worked does the wage still then look attractive.....

rocket123

Well last week I was asked to prepare a presentation at 5pm wasn't finished by 7.30 so sent it to by boss and left the office. Next day I was told that I needed to be flexible and if I had personal commitments that meant I couldn't deliver work when required then I should make this clear, but the emphasis was on being flexible. As everyone else often works to 9/10/11pm I don't think they were being impressed with me. Don't think I was working slowly just needed another couple of hours to finish the presentation and my boss had to finish it so wasn't happy

Basic salary is good and I am quite comfortable working unpaid for 1/2 hours a day I just think more that than (unless once in a while) is expecting too much.

ferien_uk

Could you try speaking to others (ie not managers) about it? There might be others who feel the same as you. If a few of you complain about it, they're more likely to take it seriously, rather than just thinking you are trying to get out of working.
Seems to me like the employers are taking advantage of the staff, who have just been doing it for so long they have accepted it as normal.

Definitely don't quit though, look around for another job if you really think the situation won't change, but as I'm sure many people on this forum would agree, you really don't want to be unemployed right now. And getting a job is a lot easier when you already have one.

rocket123

Thanks have decided to s/w boss monday and raise concerns and see how it goes from there. Will update next week

bitsandpieces

rocket123 wrote: »

Thanks have decided to s/w boss monday and raise concerns and see how it goes from there. Will update next week

Also worth discussing what type of 'flexibility' this is. Will you be expected to work long days sometimes, but then allowed to take the time back by working shorter hours other days or taking extra days off? Or will there just be a lot of unpaid overtime?

In some companies and sectors, long hours are the norm. Doesn't make it right, but I'd be very cautious about leaving a job in the current climate without having one to move to.

ceridwen

Good luck with getting this sorted out.

Its worth asking others how they are experiencing this - but I'm inclined to think personally that that could be a case of "dont hold your breath" waiting for support from them. They may well not want to rock the boat in this day and age.

I think you would be well advised to look for another job - though definitely definitely DO NOT resign until you have one.

Meanwhile - I would just "fill up my diary" with unbreakable commitments shortly after 5pm - social/evening classes starting at 6pm would be a good one /transport problems that mean you "have" to catch a bus or train going shortly after 5pm/etc and learn to state (and keep repeating if need be)..."I'm sorry - I'd like to help - BUT I'm due at x in y minutes".

Its a good point that the salary isnt so good as it appears if it has to be "spread out" over rather more hours than they let on at interview - but, whatever the case re the salary, your evenings are your own and you have a life to lead. If they keep taking your evenings like this - when do you get your leisuretime?

I think you would also be wise to put some money to one side - in case they get awkward about you sticking to contracted hours and start looking for excuses to sack you.

s4mmy

Ds has just left a job where the expectations were similar to those of rocket123 and for very little money(in recruitment). They seem to lure the young graduates in with the prospects of earning good bonuses but when he eventually acknowledged that his actual hourly rate was below minimum wage -he quit!

aj2703

What about the working time directive..?. Or does that not come into this.

LinasPilibaitisisbatman

With all due respect the OP isnt being asked to work unpaid OT, he is being asked to be flexible.

He should have stayed and finished the presentation and asked for the 4 hours back later.

In certain fields having to work later and claim time back at less busy times is normal.

You dont get good money for a basic 9-5 job with no responsibility or commitment to the organisation.