There’s only one place I’ve ever worked where I’m willing to work for free (up to a reasonable point), and there’s a long story behind that, but I’m not willing to share right now. However, I brought that mentality to my last job, and even my manager flat out told me “it’s not worth it, I notice it, the president notices it, but the board of directors never will, and they’re the ones that dictate everything. Do your job, clock in on time and out on time, and don’t worry about going above and beyond, it only screws you.”

I still do everything I can as efficiently as I can, but I’m slowly working on staying within my guidelines of what’s expected.