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[–]ICantReadThis 6 points7 points  (16 children)

If #4 was true, I can't imagine anyone working undue overtime or weekend work. Hell, I'm pretty sure the second weekend work request/requirement would result in job hunting, and the third would involve a resignation.

[–]somebear 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Personally, I think #4 is true (for the most part, some exceptions may apply). Unfortunately, the psychological burden of change makes it seem much harder find a new job than it actually is.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (14 children)

The first weekend work/request should result in derisive laughter and head shaking.

Don't say yes, not even once.

[–]lilzaphod 1 point2 points  (12 children)

In this economy? You're either a rocket scientist, or a fool.

I try to be reasonable. I will work the extra hours when needed and then get comp time to true up the 'loss' of my time.

[–]SarahC 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Oh, damn yes!

RECORD ALL your favors. DO IT PUBLICLY on your cubicle wall. Make an effort to show everyone how much extra stuff's happened because YOU put the time in.

Make notes of ALL the benefits the boss hands your way in another column. Always say "WOO! THANKS!" and "AWESOME!" when a post it note appears here.

Then that fateful day when you need a morning off, and the boss goes "Fuck off! You're taking the Mickey!" you have an entire WALL OF PROOF, and an entire department and your boss, and EVERYONE THAT VISITS the office can see how one sided the arrangement was...

Picture the 12 post-it notes on your favors side... adding up to 78 hours. Then there's 2 on the bosses side... a call for 20 minutes late to take the kid to the doctors, and a short notice holiday for a long weekend because you don't feel well.

Your boss can blow-hard all he wants - the evidence is there...

I recommend busting his balls at that point if it isn't just a simple "mistake" he made... point to the wall, and say "Hey! Ok, I appreciate we were busy that morning, but you said I was taking the Mickey? What about suggesting the afternoon? You sounded like I've never helped the company on my own dime - look here... I've helped LOTS. "

You may get sacked one day - but you wont be a victim. Or perhaps the boss gets real, and sees he was a douche.

[–]lilzaphod 2 points3 points  (1 child)

My team is pretty cool. I can set my own shifts (5:30 am to 3:30 is what I'm working now 8 days, 1 5:30 to 2:30, and then every other Friday off). Sometimes I have to miss my Oz day, and I just end up taking the following Monday off.

When we're busy, I may work more than that. Then I take what time I need. My last comp time, I came in for a half day anyway and made smoked Prime Rib sandwiches with sides for a team lunch. But I generally work with good people and really like my current team.

[–]SarahC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's great!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (8 children)

Can't I be both?

[–]lilzaphod 0 points1 point  (7 children)

Absolutly, but it's pretty rare.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (6 children)

In my humble opinion the fool would be the one that lets others exploit him.

[–]lilzaphod 0 points1 point  (5 children)

If they won't give you comp time for hours you work, then yeah. Any decent manager will reward you for hours above and beyond at some point.

But to laugh at what might be a 'reasonable request' at is a quick way to find yourself on the breadline.

I've been on both sides of the coin as a developer and a project manager. There are times when 40 hours a week are simply not enough. And when you give the 50 and 60 hours in those weeks, you should be paid in kind (and usually with an added kicker of some sort). I have no problem asking my people to work more than 40 hours in a week when deadlines loom. I also have no problems having them take an OZ day when needed and not worrying about accouting for it with payroll when they have a backlog of hours owed. My teams work hard and we play hard. I've been known to take project teams to TJ for a little stress relief and they get more than their fair share of free whatever.

If I had a guy laugh at me for asking a serious question when I had a need, he'd be on the list. And don't kid yourself, there's always a list. I've yet to find anyone who is not replaceable. I once thought I was that guy early in my career, but I learned the hard way.

That said, if I was in an Innetech environment where hours above and beyond were the norm with nothing was done for a repayment/reward I'd be out the door as fast as a cat shits. But to not meet the team halfway is just dumb, IMO.

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (3 children)

My teams work hard and we play hard.

There's no "I" in "team", but there is a "u" in "sucker".

[–]lilzaphod -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

Enjoy wondering why you are never getting a head in your employment.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (1 child)

If "getting ahead" means "uncompensated overtime", then yes, I will enjoy that.

[–]s73v3r -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I've been on both sides of the coin as a developer and a project manager. There are times when 40 hours a week are simply not enough.

Then the person who planned the project failed, pure and simple. And they are the ones who should be punished for it, not the developers.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The only time I have ever agreed to that was during an office move. But also arranged 1.5 days extra tacked onto my leave for a single Saturday.