OS Singlies - We Do It Our Way!

RosiePuddingPaws

JSK - it is hard when there aren't enough staff to do the work but I'm with Moneyistooshorttomention in that I wouldn't wish to do more than my paid hours now. I have had a very responsible and busy job in the past but although I occasionally worked through my lunch hour when we were reaching an important deadline, I only once stayed after my paid hours (to help tidy up and print a thesis for one of the trainees!).

I don't think it does much good staying on anyway since you get mentally tired so achieve things at a much slower pace. I think there was some survey that proved this.

In my current job the person who thinks she is in charge (!) is always saying how she never leaves on time. No mention of how she is nearly always late, talks all day rather than getting on with the work and is frequently off sick ... I'm not being unsympathetic about someone genuinely being ill, but when you stay off as you are so tired but, at the same time, say how you don't like to go to bed until 1, I can't help thinking that going to bed a little earlier might help!

At the end of the day, the management rarely think more of those who do the extra hours and if it came to a redundancy situation then it would make no difference. I think the work/life balance is important (and I'm still struggling on the life bit!).

And, of course, leaving on time to attend an osteo appointment to improve your health surely has to be more important?

RPP

LavenderBees

Absolutely, an appointment to try to make sure you become healthy or stay healthy is important. As a line manager, and as a staff member, I would always prioritise this first. You'll be no good to anyone if you can't get out of bed! Indeed, my own lovely line manager rang me at home yesterday to catch up with me (I was working at home), and insisted I make a doctor's appointment to check out a potential genetic blood condition that !!!!!! bro has just told me about. But I digress...

It's a difficult one. I wouldn't advocate a work to rule - sometimes a job has to be done, and my company (well, not mine, the one I work for :rotfl:) expects that of all staff regardless of grade.

I think that we are all expected to work harder/longer/whatever, these days. It's at what point do you push back, that is the question, and this will be different for everyone.

For me, over the last couple of years, I have reaped the rewards of being seen as a flexible hard worker. I often have worked through lunches to bring a project in, a one off of 3 weeks working from 7am to 2pm did not go unnoticed to bring another project in given legal requirements, working occasional weekends etc. It's what had to be done to deliver a good job.

But my rewards have not been monetary as I can't get paid overtime. My reward was that when the chips were down as they have been so many times this last 2 years, my line managers cut me all the slack I needed, never questioned my hours, never cut my pay. I just was allowed to do what I needed to help my parents, deal with my YBC's horrendous illness, etc etc etc...and believe me, the last 2 years, the etcs have kept coming...and still my line manager tells me to do what I need to...

So, where it is a 2 way street, then obviously that works well. This week, I have easily worked 6.5 days in 5 days to do what I need to, and am still drowning in work, but that's ok, because I am paying back in my view for the leniency shown me.

Where it isn't a 2 way street, I would be flexible where I could about lunchtimes, but I would be leaving on time at the end of the day.

On the subject of peer pressure - this can be a huge factor. I know staff here who have absolutely no reason at all to check their emails on a weekend, but they do, because someone else does, and someone else does, and before you know it, it's seen as the done thing, and it's suddenly not acceptable to have a weekend without work. This is deplorable, but if grown thinking for themselves adults are stupid enough to be influenced by their colleagues, then so be it. And this isn't pressure from the line manager or company, it's simply peer pressure.

The next time someone tells you that you are letting the side down, look them straight in the eye, and tell them you won't tolerate being bullied. The work/ life balance is absolutely key here, and you are entitled to leave at the end of the day without adverse comments.

Just the use of the word bully should shut them up if they've any sense. If not, tell your manager you will not be bullied. Keep using the word...and make a note of the incidents....it may just come in handy one day....

Hops down off soap box... I've had my 10 mins...now back to work :rotfl:

LB xx

JustKeepSwimming_2

Horace wrote: »

JKS instead of giving your free time to work you should just try working for the hours that you are paid (no more unpaid overtime). It isn't letting the side down at all - it is for your own work life balance. If there is too much work then your employer will either have to recruit more staff (even temporarily) and/or pay you overtime....

Thanks Horace - I know you're right

Still cannot find my birth certificate, decree absolute nor the pass book for my building society account - I am getting more and more frustrated:mad:

It'll be in the same safe place that my DD's bank book is :mad: I share your pain.

Today I made a decision and have asked for some crowdfunding - I want to see if I can get money to train to become a Nordic Walking Instructor and to get money for poles. At least with poles, I can teach and I know the poles will be decent ones - I hate the ones that the instructor that we have been forced to have uses (mind you she only paid £400 for them and it shows - our previous instructor had the dearer ones which cost nearly £800). Don't worry the £800 is for 13 sets of poles and a carry bag - these are the ones I want and prefer.

I was asked if my local pharmacy has a repeat prescription service - they do but the problem has been with the GP and some silly ruling that all patients have to be spoken to if they have a repeat prescription to see how they are getting on with their medication (I also think it is a way of them trying to save money by saying that the medication isn't necessary). Anyway the consultant I see at the eye hospital in Brum in the country's leading expert for my eye condition and I feel sure he knows a lot more than a tuppenny ha'penny GP.

Exciting news about the potential new training/job :T

Totally agree with you about your consultant being better than your GP for that condition - such a shame that they can't also issue the darn prescriptions. Maybe that'll happen when the NHS is rearranged/fannied about with again?

moneyistooshorttomention wrote: »

What sort of job is it that you do? That might influence what we can suggest. From what you say, I'm imagining its some sort of office job and the reference to "bank some hours" makes me think it must be a public sector one presumably?

I work in a high school as a science technician - 4 others on the same level & 1 senior (but new to working in a school).

Its a job rather than a career - I got to the top of my salary scale in less than 2 years, & there is hardly any external training - its all on the job. Its probably similar to many places in that there is an ever increasing work load with an ever decreasing budget, so we're a little fed up (as are a lot of the teachers who are suffering in the same way). People are a bit snappy sometimes, & we're on such a tight timescale that it takes very little to go wrong/not to plan to throw us all into firefighting mode.

The senior is lovely, & wants to change many things for the better but is being frustrated by management.... We all want to support her but were stuck in the stupid situation of never having enough time to do everything properly (& we need to with chemicals or we rush & get burnt ), let alone discussing how we could change things for the better - so things never change.

I'm going to keep quietly suggesting that things won't get better unless management see that we really can't cope, & leaving on time & hope that the others see the sense of it I think things will get better simply because they're so bad now it really can't get much worse :rotfl:

LavenderBees wrote: »

...It's a difficult one. I wouldn't advocate a work to rule - sometimes a job has to be done, and my company (well, not mine, the one I work for :rotfl:) expects that of all staff regardless of grade.

I think that we are all expected to work harder/longer/whatever, these days. It's at what point do you push back, that is the question, and this will be different for everyone.

You're not wrong there :rotfl:. I was told I'll need to come in on my day off to cover a training session for 2 colleagues (first session for many years) - if I don't then they won't be able to go. As it is I've already got something planned for that day (since its my day off ) but the opinion of a few colleagues is that I'm not being fair.

Again, my argument is that management should be able to provide us with training (since on teacher training days we just get on with catching up with our normal work - no training for us then), or be able to ask us to cover, not demand that we do. I wouldn't dream of telling someone they have to come in on a day off - maybe I'm alone in this?

For me, over the last couple of years, I have reaped the rewards of being seen as a flexible hard worker. I often have worked through lunches to bring a project in, a one off of 3 weeks working from 7am to 2pm did not go unnoticed to bring another project in given legal requirements, working occasional weekends etc. It's what had to be done to deliver a good job.

But my rewards have not been monetary as I can't get paid overtime. My reward was that when the chips were down as they have been so many times this last 2 years, my line managers cut me all the slack I needed, never questioned my hours, never cut my pay. I just was allowed to do what I needed to help my parents, deal with my YBC's horrendous illness, etc etc etc...and believe me, the last 2 years, the etcs have kept coming...and still my line manager tells me to do what I need to...

So, where it is a 2 way street, then obviously that works well. This week, I have easily worked 6.5 days in 5 days to do what I need to, and am still drowning in work, but that's ok, because I am paying back in my view for the leniency shown me.

Not much chance of us ever being able to adjust hours since we're all on term time only contracts. I agree this would be good, & I'd happily accrue TOIL if I knew I'd be able to get it back. I'm not completely unreasonable :rotfl: but I've already lost over a day with no hope of ever getting it back & I'm not doing it again.

Where it isn't a 2 way street, I would be flexible where I could about lunchtimes, but I would be leaving on time at the end of the day.

On the subject of peer pressure - this can be a huge factor. I know staff here who have absolutely no reason at all to check their emails on a weekend, but they do, because someone else does, and someone else does, and before you know it, it's seen as the done thing, and it's suddenly not acceptable to have a weekend without work. This is deplorable, but if grown thinking for themselves adults are stupid enough to be influenced by their colleagues, then so be it. And this isn't pressure from the line manager or company, it's simply peer pressure.

The next time someone tells you that you are letting the side down, look them straight in the eye, and tell them you won't tolerate being bullied. The work/ life balance is absolutely key here, and you are entitled to leave at the end of the day without adverse comments.

Just the use of the word bully should shut them up if they've any sense. If not, tell your manager you will not be bullied. Keep using the word...and make a note of the incidents....it may just come in handy one day....

Hops down off soap box... I've had my 10 mins...now back to work :rotfl:

LB xx

It suits you, that soap box :rotfl: Great advice, as always. I'll start compiling a list of incidents.

Thanks for the words of support - it really does help me get things straight inside my rather busy mind.

Half term started here - I'm back in my PJs already as I had to get dressed for the heating engineer to service by boiler :mad: I did contemplate staying in PJs & saying I wasn't feeling 100% but forced myself to get dressed. Mustn't let standards slip too much .
I plan to veg out ALL DAY & catch up on carp TV.

Hugs to all :grouphug: Byatt, LessonLearned, MB - you all ok?

freakyogre

I have to agree on the work/overtime subject. Give and take is great and very helpful and I think as long as you don't take the mickey, most employers are happy to be flexible if you are.

In a previous job, I ended up doing two roles (I was promoted, but the replacement for my previous job didn't last). I was doing ridiculous hours just to keep on top of things, but I loved it and knew it was appreciated. However, when the company went in to administration, of course I went along with everyone else, so in that situation, it really didn't make a blind bit of difference in the long run.

I think that's why now, my attitude is a bit different. I do my hours and I leave - obviously if something REALLY needs doing, I don't have any issue with working the extra hours, but I don't get paid for it, so I wouldn't make a habit of it.

There are certain people in my current job who almost make you feel guilty for not coming in early, when really there is no need to do so! There were comments when people would arrive on time, that they were late, purely because the 'others' had decided to come in over an hour before their start time. Really not on and as much was said which seems to have put a stop to it!


I registered on 'Meetup' last night - I saw it mentioned on one of the forums here. It's not for dating, but more for finding people with similar interests/hobbies in the local(ish) area. I did it mainly for surfing as I only learned to surf this year, but really loved it so would like to carry on, but it's not something I'd feel overly comfortable doing on my own. I've always been taught never to mess with the sea!
Anyway, you can search by interest and there's quite a range of things to do. I was quite interested in a walking/hiking weekend to Brecon Beacons, but will look into a bit further before doing anything.

Quiet-ish weekend planned for me. I'm meeting my sister tomorrow to do some shopping and crafting and then I must go and do some food shopping. I've got to the point where I want to cook again, which is progress as the most challenging thing so far has been an omelette! I can't wait

Sunday is going to be the big day for my cat - we've been here almost 3 weeks now, so I feel it's time he ventured outside. Bless him, he spends hours sitting looking out the window I'll try and do some batch cooking as well and either attempt some of my course or try and finish this shoe rack makeover (which I'm beginning to wish I'd never started!)

Have a lovely weekend everyone

calicocat

Howdie folks......still here, just in the background as don't seem to have a great attention span at the moment to comment, plus RL just getting in the way.

Ah..........the dreaded C word....:eek: , the one thing I do like is putting up a tree as love xmas trees, and a ruddy good excuse for fairy lights to be on. I don't have too many to buy for, so that's one stress less. Where I live it's quite funny....the whole place turns into a mixture of National lampoons Christmas and that other film where they are trying to out-do eachother with the outside decorations.......

The whole thing grows and grows.....hilarious.....:rotfl:

It does make you feel very xmassy though...but this can also be a bad thing when you aren't in the mood.


I don't do work xmas nights out either....they are usually really boring, and would rather spend my money having a meal with people I like better.


The whole work thing seemed to start sounding better my end..as in keeping jobs for a good while longer........then spiralled into the depressing abyss again as lots of people think they are looking at any excuse to get rid of/ sack the ones that cost more money.

I am one of those.....so being at work is pretty stressful and just pants at the moment. .

I still have a plan with one of the others to job-share if things go tots up so I can pay the bills.

I have been spending my time throwing stuff in the attic that is now cluttering the place and stuff I won't use in the winter, dead-heading the plants and trying to sort the garden out for the winter (not that I really know what i'm doing to be fair).

Today is a cleaning day.......as I have friends coming to look after the asbo-cat so the place needs to be clean and tidy. Not entirely sure how this will pan out as Asbo-cat isn't that keen on them to be honest....:rotfl: there could be a few scratches me thinks.

I'm back to work tomorrow, the off to Birmingham area, then back up, then straight off to London......even the thought of it has me tired out...:D.


Cat skool...............i'm not sure what mine would be like other than scrapping with the other pupils. I don't think she's like teachers much either. She'd probably be truant all the time and cost me a fortune.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: to those having hard times at the moment.



Edit......thats a very dodgy loaad of hugs isn't it.....lol. I've only just worked out how to do these on my phone, must have pressed it 3 times...........

Oh well.....hugs all round then....to everyone.

Horace

Feeling pooped - I will go and make a drink in a mo (and put some dinner on). I have spent the afternoon working in the local chip shop decorating their window. At around 2pm we started to feel a bit hungry so tried to pool our money together to buy a large bag of chips to share and we were told to put our money away. We were each given a cone portion of chips in a box and we were allowed to have a drink too - we sat in the seating area eating, chatting and scoffing (they were nice chips too). The shop owner was very pleased with the display - everyone keeps stopping to look at it.

Got soaked having a look around the site - must admit we were disappointed with one lighting display which was just a cardboard cut out of a mini with a string of lights at one end (just not very imaginative) and others didn't even have their window displays up. Seems that they changed the rules on us - we were told that our display had to be up and switched on by 5pm tonight and judging would take place tonight but judging takes place tomorrow and the displays could have been put up tomorrow:mad:

Hope everyone is ok. My brain has turned to mush so it is coffee and a sit down time.

mothernerd

calicocat wrote: »

Howdie folks......still here, just in the background as don't seem to have a great attention span at the moment to comment, plus RL just getting in the way.

Kat SKool..........i'm not sure what mine would be like other than scrapping with the other pupils. I don't think she's like teachers much either. She'd probably be truant all the time and cost me a fortune.:grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: to those having hard times at the moment.

Edit......thats a very dodgy loaad of hugs isn't it.....lol. I've only just worked out how to do these on my phone, must have pressed it 3 times...........

Oh well.....hugs all round then....to everyone.

All hugs, however dodgy, very welcome and gratefully accepted.

3forholidays

Horace That's great that you got a place on the training programme and hopefully the temporary job will be made permanent.

My first job was a temporary clerical one that got made permanent. I'm currently on temporary secondment from that permanent post covering for maternity leave & reduced hours. Just patiently waiting to see if the seconded post will get made permanent but I might be waiting a while as there is talk of a recruitment freeze as the council are trying to make savings.

Hope everyone is keeping well. Have a :grouphug: if you want one and wishing everyone a productive weekend.

mum2one

Hope everyone ok come away to the coast for half term hopefully the weather holds been to the market this morning and did a stunt on dd told her we were going to tesco and I took the wrong turn 1st turn was Starbucks she only clicked when I got her to the counter thou think the tea is gold plated! Xx

Horace

Hello gang

Got up late today and I was in bed before midnight too. I was going to cook up sausages and mash for dinner last night but only got as far as cooking the sausages which were then slapped between two pieces of bread.

I have been trying to reclaim my dining room table today - my friend will want her plastic tablecloth back (I might have to get one). Nipped to the supermarket (I wanted to get a tenner) as I no longer trust the local cashpoints so I headed for the whoopsie shelves to buy some stuff and used that new Mr M's card for points and I handed over a coupon for an extra 200 points if I spent over £1, I paid got my £10 cashback and another coupon for 200 points so I decided to get a couple of newspapers and used the coupon so craftily I got points for my shopping plus 400 extra points.:j

Tonight I am going to the light festival and another friend is giving me a lift, it starts at 6pm but we are going down there at 7pm and probably staying until the end, it means that I can get a chance to eat at home even though I have a voucher to use as some venues are offering discounts to residents (I have the letter) although I feel sure that if we went to the chippy we could get more chips. I want to go and see an exhibit that contains photographs that I took when I went out for walks with the project's photographer.

Tomorrow is take down day.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend.