How can I be more motivated at work?

Question

I love the work I do. I just hate the workplace. It's not my coworkers who are so bad, it's the management, or rather lack of it. The owner tells people to do things, then changes his mind but doesn't tell anybody. The day before a project is due, he asks you why such and such isn't done. It's maddening.

I was promised a raise after 90 days and still haven't gotten one. My direct manager disappeared a few weeks ago and still hasn't come back. Not that she's much help - she's married to the owner. Last week I worked tons of overtime (unpaid.) One day I worked from 5AM-7PM at the office, and then took work home with me. I'm told I'm one of the best workers they've seen here, yet I'm not rewarded for it. I make the same amount of money as the girl down the hall who sits around all day and surfs the web. The only perk I have is my own office.

I have come to hate working here after only 3 months. How can I be more motivated when I know that my hard work will go unrewarded?

Answer 1

Well, I guess that you don't need motivation on it, because it seems that you already have it for being such a good worker. What you got to do is to tell the owner and his wife, the direct manager, about it, that your work isn't being fair as it has to be, or as it's supposed to be, and try to get into an agreement to get a solution to those things.

Answer 2

A) its like this in almost every office environment.
B) there is no such thing as unpaid overtime. if you haven't been paid for that time worked, it's illegal and you can sue your boss for it.
C) if they haven't given you the raise you were promised, you're not getting it...ever.
D) if your hard work and dedication are noticed but not rewarded than that means they are taking advantage of you. meaning why pay you more if you can do all the work the others won't do? you're being had and unless you do something drastic about it, it's probably not going to change.

Answer 3

I feel for you but you have excluded a lot of information. Contrary to what someone said, depending on if you are an hourly employee, you are not entitled to over time. Also in some states, you have to work a total of 40 hours before over time kick in. So check you local employment laws. Also, I would recommend you not look at others. The girl down the hall, may have 20+ years experience at the company and has a routine. For example, I have a routine @ work where I have automated my work and guess what? I get to goof off!! So it all depends.

Answer 4

Contact the Wage and Hour division of the US Department of Labor - You'll find them in the phone book.

If you are a non-exempt employee, any hours worked over 40 in a week, as well as any "home work", must be compensated at one and one-half (11/2) your hourly rate. Penalties to the employer can amount to double damages.

Answer 5

Find another job... 90 days isn't very long, so I wouldn't fret about a raise yet, but if your boss is an idiot, I'd leave now, no sense in waiting for a raise from a moron... If you make a lot of money but hate your work you'll have a miserable life.

Answer 6

First off it is illegal for them to work you and not pay you for your over time. Thats all b/s. You need to et your damn money. If you want to be heard and seen have a talk to the manager and tell him you love your job but you have some concerns and if he threatens to fire you all you have to do is make sure you log all your time down so you can tell the proper authorisites and with this info they will be forced to pay you your over time pay. Not to mention either keep you on the job with pay the same if not raised as well as get you some cash for deformation of character.

The labor board call them.