Saying "no" to overtime

thriftymanc

Anyone got any good tips on how to say "no" to your boss constantly asking you to do overtime, without having to come up with more and more excuses? There's only so many dentist's appointments I can have in one month...

In all seriousness, any good phrases I can use without getting in my boss's bad books would be nice. While I'd be mad not to like being offered the chance to do overtime here and there (it's extra money after all!) I really don't appreciate being asked every single day to the point where a) I'm feeling guilty if I say no even when I genuinely do have plans already and b) they're expecting me to do it without even asking first!

the_big_fact_hunt

i used to say "i'll stay until 5", my normal finishing time is 5

Tigsteroonie

Depending on the relationship you have with your boss, maybe take a more pro-active method to solving their obvious problem? If they constantly need overtime done, then the workload is greater than the existing team can manage. Offer to sit down and chat about workloads, whether any processes could be omitted or speeded up to lessen the problem, throw in a mention about perhaps increasing the team size, that kind of thing ....

Empty_pockets

No to overtime?

Sacrilege!

iceicebaby

Unless you are contracted to do it, just say no you don't need an excuse.

jennikitten

Maybe you could sort out a schedule where you're both happy with what extra overtime you're going to work & that way there's no surprises? Is there anyone else in the same situation as you?

bargainbetty

Explain to them that you have regular committments outside of work, and you cannot drop them without notice. If they would like to arrange overtime with you a day or two in advance, that would be fine, but short notice things are not always viable for you.

I echo the comments about overall work levels though - if they need overtime every day, something isn't right.

scooby088

I always used to say i got a pint with my name on it waiting for me.

RexBanner

As has been said, let them know that you may be available for overtime if given notice in advance, but that commitments outside of work mean this is usually impossible if you're asked at the last minute.

Sounds like they're taking you for granted, and don't acknowledge the sacrifice you make each time you stay beyond your core hours. Making them aware of this, while still making yourself available with suitable notice, should help them to appreciate you more.

DCFC79

Lol when im asked i jus say " no cant do it ", it may have put me in the bad books but as petrol is so high i would only get £25 when tax and NI is taken off which makes it worthless when i would have to get up earlier on a saturday to do 4 hours

danielle1977

Be assertive just say 'no', no excuses or anything else and don't feel guiltly!
If they ask again, just say 'no' and keep on saying 'no' till they get it, or make you an offer you can't refuse like double pay or something.