Can a "justifiable" bad attitude be cause for employment termination?

Question

Recently, I have become the guy with the "bad attitude" because I am unwilling to work any overtime (which is not mandatory). Not even a year ago, I had been working 60 hour weeks for a few months straight. The only gain I received was in the paycheck. Being a "team player" only seemed to help the company and did not improve any chance for promotion, etc. I am less worried about the extra money on my paycheck as I am about moving ahead in my job. I am still meeting expectations, just not going beyond. Obviously, this will not help any advancement opportunity either. Here is the question: Will bringing this reason up for not wanting to go above and beyond actually increase my chances or will they overlook that and possibly take disciplinary action for attitude? This is a non-union hourly wage position. I am more than willing to work the overtime and put forth more effort, if I can be guaranteed a better reward (besides recognition for hours worked). Will this philosphy work?

Answer 1

You sound very frustrated with where you are in the company. I think rather than sharing your frustrations, or becoming the guy with the bad attitude, you should focus on what is really bothering oyu, and keep aiming for it. You want to move ahead, so they key is finding out how to. Take some interest in the next position up from yours, or other postions that you hvae experience for. Learn much about their duties, and see if you are qualified to perform them. Let management know you are interested in learning more about specific jjobs, and that you are wanting to advance. Try to have a postive attitude each day, and encourage that same attitude. This is not butt kissing, this is not working mass overtime.. it is showing the geuine interest you hae in advancement and eltting your best skills shine. Make sure to point out occasionally when you have performed above standards- sometimes managers will miss some of the things employees do, and they may fail to give recognition. If you are not recognized, and do some extra good work, point it out in a nice way. "Hey, look at what I did over here today" or something like that.

now if you have not had any nibbles in 3 months or so of youor expressing more interest, then try to meet with one of the managers and let them know personally you would like to advance, and ask what you can do to imrpove your skills to advance. Do not get defensive if they offer critisism. You may need some improvement in some areas, and you are asking for them to tell you what you can do so you can improve and get what you are after. Get the feedback and work hard to improve on areas mentioned, and meet with your boss/manager again in a month or two and ask if he has seen improvement in that area. It could take a few months that way if they are grooming you towards a position, so you have to be patient and work thorugh frustration, but you can do it if you are really motivated.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I think you will have to play ball a little bit. Maybe "some" over-time, but not 60 hours worth. The company obviously cares more for their bottom line than their employees, so keep that in mind. I left a job like that and am working a job where they actually treat me great for less hours, more pay, and considerate respect. Consider checking out other opportunities out there with your good record.

If you work hard and save the company money by being productive as possible while you are there and are polite and seemingly a team player, then it will certainly help in your promotion. Are they aware that you want to move on and upward? I would look at the people who have been promoted and see what got them there and pattern my behavior after theirs. If you that is just not in you, then start looking for a better fit. Get a resume` done up and shop around.

I do think that all work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy. Life is too short to hand it over to some company. I think you can find a middle ground and accomplish both goals: a life away from work and your promotion. Just be polite and apparently cooperative. Best of luck to you.

Answer 3

It does not really matter if employers can do that or not. It costs money to recruit and train a new people and employers do not dismiss their employees without some good reason. They may be looking at the events you describe in a different light and in legal battles they usually win. If you have to leave, it is far better to find a new job first.

It seems to me, that the best thing to do now, would be to see the highest placed manager you can and explain nicely and respectfully that there has been a misunderstanding. You naturally want to help the company, but you are ambitious and are seeking some assurance that you will be considered favorably for promotion when the opportunity arises.Also, you will be grateful for his guidance on what you can do to achieve that.

Answer 4

In an "at will" employment state, an employer can cause for a bad attitude, even if you can justify it... So after reading this I deduce that you value being a good employee, and take pride in the work you do. It sounds as if you were suprised to have been terminated for what feels as if it is unwillingness to go above and beyond the call of duty without compensation, or lets say with the only compensation being financial.

While employment is at will, so is your career success. If you give your best to the task in front of you because it is the right thing to do, it will eventually be recognized, if not by your current employer, then by your next. Be grateful to be free to pursue a job and environment who needs and wants your particular talents, and where you become more successful by working together. ! Good luck

Answer 5

I doubt that your employer is considering this a bad attitude, unless you are going over board when you turn it down, a polite no thanks, I have other things to do should suffice just fine. If they really needed you, they will make it mandatory and basically tell you that you had to do it or that they will find someone who will do it, but if they are any kind of professional organization they will not just up and let you go for it. The biggest reason being that it would be considered termination without cause and you would instantly qualify for unemployment. You should note though, that if they try and make it mandatory and you continue to turn it down, it would still be considered termination without cause because you were not hired under those expectations, they changed the rules on you, you did not change the rules on them, hence you would still qualify, hence to get rid of you they will put you under a microscope and note every little thing that you do wrong, properly document it, council you and eventually terminate you. So if you want to go that route, make sure you are know all the rules and that you are following them and I do not mean just the normal ones that everyone thinks of, show up on time, don't go postal, so on and so forth, but all of them, because they will find something that you have over looked and start nailing you on it. Don't forget, that is all their HR department does, make up those rules and tracks them, they will know them. A good out is if the rules are not someplace where you can easily get to them, but you have to look for them and note that before the trouble happens, not after.

John B.

Answer 6

Clearly you are wanting to advance and in the past, when you have worked overtime, you were not rewarded with that advancement. Have you made your highers-up aware that this is your goal? You should discuss this with them to see what your possibilities are and indicate that although you are willing to do what it takes, in the past, this has gone unnoticed in the way of any kind of a promotion. You appreciate the extra income that comes with those overtime hours but you want to know that you have an opportunity to move higher in the company. Is your company known for promoting advancement of its workers? What are their requirements for this? If they are just wanting to line their own pockets at the expense of your time commitment, then you need to consider moving on to another company.

Answer 7

It sounds like you are in a position where you are more concerned with your rate per hour than the gross amount of money that you make. Assuming you are relatively debt free and have some savings this is a reasonable attitude.
It sounds like there are promotion opportunities that you would be interested in. You need to work with your manager(s) and develop the skills/abilities need for the position(s) you are interested in. Explain to them that you feel you could contribute more in position X and would like to acquire the skills needed for the position.

Answer 8

I totally agree with Dawn M. If you work in a "Right To Work" state, the employer can terminate your employment at any time without proper cause or prior warning.

Corporate America sucks, you should do what's best for you and apply to other companies while earning a paycheck at this one.

Answer 9

No. Your philosophy will not work. Sit down with your boss and talk it out. Many times bosses won't know the real story. The other employees could be telling your boss things.

As far as getting fired, yes you can be. There is nothing that states that the company has to keep you.

Answer 10

if you approach them with a professional attitude then they can not fire you, but if you are mean and rude then they can so good luck