When is the appropriate time to leave work?

Question

I just started a new job and was told during the Interview that there would be work/ life balance. I have now found that everyone there works overtime every day. The previous person who had my job worked through lunches, overtime and weekends.

Some of the hourly workers receive overtime. So, I think that they work less in the morning and extend their work until the evening to earn the extra overtime money.

I have been staying late some days, but try to work from 8:30 am. to 5:30 p.m. each day. Most everyone else in the department is still there. My work is done, so I leave. The people that work for me ask me to help them. I do as much as I can as well as my own work.

When is the right time to leave since I am new at the job? I have previously worked at big companies and was able to start early and then leave on time. This is a small company. The door is locked and I can not start work until 8:30 a.m.

Answer 1

Did u realise some work OT for the sake of working OT? There are numerous reasons for working late, the most obvious is to impress the bosses. Most bosses are happy when they see the staffs working late, but pls think-is that being efficient? Some stay for OT pay, some stay cos they got nothing to do, some stay being they were not working during the office hours.

So don't culitivate the habit of working late, if u r done with your job, just inform your immediate that you had finished your work for the day and if there's nothing else he/she has for you, you may leave for the day.

Answer 2

I guess this will be answered, firstoff, with a question. Are you the supervisor of these other employees asking for your help when all the work is done?
If that's the case, then these "slacker" employees have found their patsy to do the legwork for them.
If you're older than them by a few years, please remember that there is not only an age gap, but a general attitude gap, meaning that these other employees go with the apathetic, I'll do it when I do it, or, It'll get done when it gets done.
The worst one is I'll get someone else to do and then I'll take the credit. I've seen it happen. My husband worked for a utility company and he was the most productive employee on the floor during his shift. Unfortunately there were also part time employees eho felt like he was showing them up by working harder than they were (he did work harder and produced mor than they did and the PTers were jealous), but ultimately that jealousy cost him his job because even his immediate supervisor flet pressure from his bosses that there was an employee that was doing all the work and everyone else go the credit.
If you can speak to the boss(es) about your situation and feel you can do so in confidence, even in this day and age that's a misnomer, I would bring up these concerns. Otherwise you'll just end up burning yourself out really quick and what good would that do for anyone?

Answer 3

Appropriate time is at 5:30, if that was company policy! Thought you do not have to provide them with any excuse, perhaps letting them know you have other obligations right after 5:30.

I dont know who you are concerned about, the people you work with or the people you work for? You're model employee is what I would consider you. As a business owner myself, who wouldnt want an employee that can get the job done and on time?We'd call that cost effective!

Answer 4

I Think The Usual Time for work is 8:00 to 5:00
I Think The Time You Got is pretty good compared to my 7:30 - 6:00.

Answer 5

If management, get yourself a key to enter and to leave whenever. Time is not the measure of productivity-- Quality output is. If top management does not understand and approve quality,get your resume updated and consult with a headhunter.

Answer 6

around 5: 30 to 6pm is about right
keep up the good work, i luv helping people II

Answer 7

leave when ur done or at the end of ur shift. those other peps let them do what they do. u keep helping them ur going to ware urself out and there going to keep using u