i have been with my job for 5 months, i work basically 7 days a week some weeks. i always get called in on my days off. i want to establish a good reputation for myself but i have no time for anything else! also i think if i say no, i will lose future hours. should i keep going for awhile longer or is it time to say no!
2006-10-28 13:17:53 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I've had to learn this the hard way. I wanted to be seen as the flexible and dependable one, but it really got to the point where not only could I not say no, but I also was the one they wound up expecting to do anything they wanted. They didn't even ask anymore, they just expected me to do it. I wound up having very little time off, I was becoming very stressed, and really began disliking my job. I finally learned to say no...and I started saying it. It never damaged my reputation. I never lost any hours, but they finally started to realize that they couldn't just expect me to do everything. Interestingly enough, even though I've learned to say no, I'm still considered the most dependable/reliable and flexible...and I enjoy my job a lot more.
2006-10-28 13:22:54 · answer #1 · answered by Mary K 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since you are asking this question, then somewhere inside you have already decided that it's time to say 'no.' You have to evaluate the situation: are you being called in because the business really needs your help and you are getting the recongnition for going in on your days off, or are you being called because your boss or others you work with are bad planners? If the latter, it's time for you to look elsewhere. A good way to determine whether the business is going through a crunch time and needs you to be there is whether your boss is there along with you on the wknd (ie. does your boss gets days off).
There are many ways to say 'no' to your boss. One of the ways is to make sure you have firm plans like an out-of-town wedding/funeral that you 'simply couldn't get out.' Another way is to say 'wow, I've already worked last two wknds, can you find someone else this wknd as I feel really drained and need to recover a bit." And if all else fails, set up a ringtone so that boss-calls will always go to a voicemail so you don't have to pick up.
2006-10-28 20:26:26 · answer #2 · answered by justdennis 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You absolutely have to say no. But you have to do it in an intelligent way. Your boss must understand that your performance is more important than the time you put in. If you work too long, then your performance will begin to suffer. Besides, you must be compensated for the extra effort. I was in a similar situation 4 years ago. I did it for 6 months before I stood up to my boss and told him that what he was demanding was out of the question and that the lack of life that was resulting from my long hours was going to affect my work. He respected what I said and everything changed. I am still at the company and have been promoted 3 times since then, finally to general manager of the company. I don't demand excess time from anyone except in cases of absolute emergency. If your boss doesn't like what you have to say, then leave. With your work ethic, any company will be happy to have you.
2006-10-28 20:28:29 · answer #3 · answered by cardesiner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure. There are laws that protect you. Call the Department of labor and get informed.
General Information on the Fair Labor Standards Act
http://www.dol.gov/esa/regs/compliance/whd/mwposter_PF.htm
Unless it is in your contract, working overtime is optional. Being forced to work beyond the eight hours and the six says a week is sort of slavery.
But if that is in your contract, then yes. There are many jobs out there that require you being on-call 24/7.
2006-10-28 20:18:45 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It obviously depends somewhat on what you do but if you are not doing something business critical or life saving, I would start not being available at times. There is nothing wrong in the evening or on a weekend to say you have plans you can't break or to not be available for a while. Its tough to say no -- I have been there -- but if you don't make time for yourself, friends and family it will start effecting your relationships and your health.
2006-10-28 20:22:58 · answer #5 · answered by Kimberly H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would help if we knew what you did for this job.
I say no you should not have to work more than normal and what someone else would do in your position. If you are hourly paid you should be getting overtime pay and if you are salary be sure you are getting overtime pay if you work over 40 hours.
2006-10-28 20:20:37 · answer #6 · answered by hirebookkeeper 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to try saying no, at least occasionally. Have a good reason the first time, and at least see what happens. You cannot work all the time, that's no life.
2006-10-28 20:20:40 · answer #7 · answered by irongrama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always say no when I do not want to do something that is not required. Some bosses rule with a golden hand, don't let them.
2006-10-28 20:20:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Pick a good time to politely decline for that weekend
2006-10-28 20:19:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Say no, your boss sounds unreasonable, you tell him or he'll keep taking the piss
2006-10-28 20:19:50 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋