Giving To Work

[DaDancingPsych]

I just accepted a new job and I am in the middle of week three now. When I interviewed, I was aware that although I was expected to be in the office from 9-5, that there would be the occasional evening and/or weekend hours. Honestly, I never expected quite this much!!! No one in the office takes a lunch hour, so I feel guilty for doing so, although I could desperately use the time away from my desk. I am often held over past 5 with no real warning do to meetings. It has been suggested that I should stay during various evening hours to ensure that our students are cared for. (However, it has been stated that teaching these same students, which is additional pay, may be too much for me to take on. I should add that someone has to teach them and hence paid the same, so it's not like they are suggesting this to save money.) I have been asked to work fairs on the weekend and again give up teaching hours to do so. We were told today that it might be a good idea to give one Saturday a month to clean-up files. And there is an upcoming Saturday that we will work 9-5 to clean out the storage. I am also expected to travel around the city on my own time to advertise. On top of all this, my work load is insane!!! I am struggling to keep on top of things and often pushing me beyond 8 hour days.

 

I was given the advice that the more that I give, the more that they will take. Where/how does one put her foot down? I don't mind giving a little extra, but the salary for this job doesn't really cover all this extra time/stress. I am also disappointed that they want to limit my teaching (both in house and out house), being that this is what I really love/enjoy. Any thoughts/advice with this?

[Entropy Smith]

Really you teach people how to treat you. You deserve a lunch and breaks and if you don't advocate for them they will be taken from you...just make your own and if someone says something this is where you draw the line in the sand and stand up for yourself...and start looking for another job so you won't be so scared to stand up for yourself. If you are always progressing or looking elsewhere it makes your current state somewhat more tolerable.

[Gath]

Add up all the hours you were at work this past month and average it per week. Now decide what is the most you're willing to work for what you get paid. Stop going to work past that. Meetings are hard to avoid, so tell them you have an appointment. If you'll feel guilty about saying things that aren't true, make sure they *are* true. Have your BF waiting for you somewhere after work every day. They'll just think he has you wrapped around his finger. . . but you'll be free and clear.

 

Same with weekends, make plans, then don't go to work. It's just a job after all, and there's plenty others.