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sameinitials
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by tara73
Posted by stinger
Posted by sameinitials
It's also possible that your old boss wasn't supposed to give you permission to do this, so the new boss is just enforcing company policy.
I don't really see a boss asking an employee if she will be staying half an hour later because she is coming in half an hour late as micromanaging. Technically, they can make you use sick time for those appointments.
Here's the thing though. It may not be company policy but is expecting to answer emails at night or stay late company policy? I don't think the latter is.
Considering you have a work phone (cell?) and a laptop (you don't say if it is company provided but I can't imagine you would mention it if it weren't) then yes, it is likely part of your job's description/expectations that you be available after hours. Your salary should take this into consideration.
Asking you to work your office hours is not micromanaging you. If anything, your new boss is actually being accommodating to you and your needs by allowing you to be late every Friday, only asking you to work to make up the time. Many, many managers would NOT allow this at all. Many managers would write you up for excessive lateness or deny your request completely.
Maybe try to reschedule the appointments to be at a better time that doesn't interfere with your work schedule. Is there another day that you can go in earlier and maybe leave early for the appointment, then you won't be late getting your kids? I get that it isn't easy with kids, daycare etc, but that isn't your employer's problem. And, unless your schedule change was done in writing, he doesn't have to honor it.
It sounds like you guys all don't like the new boss for whatever the reason is, but I am sure it is more than just this. Regardless of how your coworkers feel, I am going to suggest you take a big step back and evaluate what the root of your distaste really is. Is it a case of being passed over for promotion? Maybe your old boss was hands off? Is it because he doesn't' know you guys yet? Imagine yourself in his shoes for a second too. It's very difficult to come in and manage a team where the old boss was well liked/respected or maybe someone was passed over for promotion, where you don't know the ins and outs etc and to not be given a chance by the team you're managing (and possibly having them work against you) is even harder.
I agree with all of this. If your office pays your phone, then I think there is the thinking that you are available after hours.
My office doesn't pay for my phone, nor do I get paid any type of bonus for working beyond 9-5 M-F, but here I am on a Saturday answering emails and doing some work. Because things have to get done. If I were going to come in late for a dr appt, I would either need to take sick time, or stay late.
It honestly surprises me that someone would think that it WASN'T company policy to stay late if it is necessary. You aren't paid by the hour, you are paid in sum to perform specific duties. If those duties require staying late every now and then, then so be it - it is what you are paid for.
Or, if you were questioning staying late because you came in late, then I am still surprised. Your new boss could also have said, sucks for you, take sick time for these appointments. Instead, he is actually trying to accommodate you while still holding you accountable for your time at work.
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Posted 3/16/13 12:22 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
It can be draining, because I often find myself around a few people who are constantly b!tching and moaning, and it's SO HARD to not get wrapped up in it.
The toxicity can be very contagious.
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This is why I suggested the OP take a step back.
If you're allowing the coworkers and gossip and just general unrest in the organization sway your opinion of this newbie supervisor, you're not really starting off on a good note.
He may be a great addition and is probably trying to learn the ropes and maybe he will be able to change some things for the betterment of you guys.
I would take the weekend, take a breather. Go in on Monday, decide to give this man a shot, keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Basically, give it all a shot. If anything, keeping a positive mind about it all will help end some of the office toxicity from affecting you.
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| Posted 3/16/13 9:45 PM |
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butterfly20
Party of 5 - 2015
Member since 4/06 7390 total posts
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by tryin4baby3
You can say that was never required in the past, but if you need me to make up the hours, I am happy to skip lunch on Fridays, work from home at night, etc.
I find different people have different views on in office time, so it may just be his personality, or that he is new and doesn't know all office practices yet
I think this sounds great as a response... It kindly tells him that this is something new to you, but that you are willing to accommodate him(since he is your boss)... I've had a boss who doesn't want people cutting into their lunch, and a boss who wants people there durring business hours, so they'd prefer shorter lunch to working after hours...
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| Posted 3/16/13 9:50 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by tara73
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
It can be draining, because I often find myself around a few people who are constantly b!tching and moaning, and it's SO HARD to not get wrapped up in it.
The toxicity can be very contagious.
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This is why I suggested the OP take a step back.
If you're allowing the coworkers and gossip and just general unrest in the organization sway your opinion of this newbie supervisor, you're not really starting off on a good note.
He may be a great addition and is probably trying to learn the ropes and maybe he will be able to change some things for the betterment of you guys.
I would take the weekend, take a breather. Go in on Monday, decide to give this man a shot, keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Basically, give it all a shot. If anything, keeping a positive mind about it all will help end some of the office toxicity from affecting you.
Thank you. This is so true and helpful
Message edited 3/16/2013 9:52:40 PM.
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| Posted 3/16/13 9:51 PM |
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DancinBarefoot
06ers Rock!!
Member since 1/07 9534 total posts
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The One My Mother Gave Me ;-)
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New boss same job vent
I get it. I have the same flexibility at my job. I "know" that my work schedule is 9-5. I also "know" that if I get in at 9:30 I either take 1/2 hour lunch, or work until 5:30. I don't discuss these things with my immediate supervisor - I'm a professional, I am treated like a professional, and I act like a professional. If all of a sudden I got a new supervisor and had to account for every second, I would also be annoyed.
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| Posted 3/16/13 10:10 PM |
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summertime
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/10 852 total posts
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Re: New boss same job vent
Give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he wasnt informed of your arrangement.
I would respond with something like this:
Actually since I typically dont take lunch and often work more than required afterhours, etc.. it is more than made up for.
This may answer his question. Keep in mind... He is in a new role and he will have his own expectations/requirements for his team. Also it isnt uncommon or unreasonable for a new boss to micromanage a bit in the beginning so that they can get a handle on an individuals position, duties, etc...
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| Posted 3/18/13 1:09 PM |
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PaddysGirl
Little princess is here!
Member since 4/07 5923 total posts
Name:
Crystal
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New boss same job vent
He is a new boss and he needs to "prove" himself to upper management. I get why you are fustrated but give the boss some time, let him get to know you and vice versa.
My response would be "I work through lunch so that covers that 1/2 hour and then some".
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| Posted 3/18/13 1:15 PM |
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HoneyBadger
YourWorstNightmare.
Member since 10/06 15979 total posts
Name:
BahBahBlackJeep
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by PaddysGirl
He is a new boss and he needs to "prove" himself to upper management. I get why you are frustrated but give the boss some time, let him get to know you and vice versa.
My response would be "I work through lunch so that covers that 1/2 hour and then some".
This was my thought as well.
He's a newbie, is still probably learning the ropes of your company and just trying to do the "right thing".
I'm sure once he settles in he won't be so on top of knowing where you are every minute of the day.
I'd respond the same way as mentioned above and just move on.
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| Posted 3/18/13 1:22 PM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by HoneyBadger
Posted by PaddysGirl
He is a new boss and he needs to "prove" himself to upper management. I get why you are frustrated but give the boss some time, let him get to know you and vice versa.
My response would be "I work through lunch so that covers that 1/2 hour and then some".
This was my thought as well.
He's a newbie, is still probably learning the ropes of your company and just trying to do the "right thing".
I'm sure once he settles in he won't be so on top of knowing where you are every minute of the day.
I'd respond the same way as mentioned above and just move on.
I was thinking the same thing as well.
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| Posted 3/18/13 1:33 PM |
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Kitten1929
LIF Adult
Member since 1/13 6040 total posts
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by summertime
Give him the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he wasnt informed of your arrangement.
I would respond with something like this:
Actually since I typically dont take lunch and often work more than required afterhours, etc.. it is more than made up for.
This may answer his question. Keep in mind... He is in a new role and he will have his own expectations/requirements for his team. Also it isnt uncommon or unreasonable for a new boss to micromanage a bit in the beginning so that they can get a handle on an individuals
position, duties, etc...
That answer sounds really snotty to me, but the gist of it is what you can say, but I'd word it more professionally.
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| Posted 3/18/13 1:38 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: New boss same job vent
I completely get your vent. You have a job to get done and you need to put the time in to finish your work. If that means that you stay an hour late and don't take lunch you're obviously willing to do that.
But with that said, if you are able to get your work done even without this extra 30 minutes a week I don't see why this is a problem. It's not "leisure time", it's a doctor's appt. Suddenly requiring the employees to account for every minute is going to put a damper on the morale of the company and I'd bet productivity may be affected.
He is new, so i would probably cut him some slack and offer to take a 30 minute lunch on Fridays to make the time up.
I can relate because I rarely take a lunch break, I will work from home until 9-10pm and come in on weekends when we're busy, but if I need to leave 15 minutes early to pick up my DD I get comments and push back.  
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| Posted 3/18/13 2:16 PM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
So I wrote back "sure I could make up the half hour at lunch as well". His response 2 days later was I would prefer you flexing to 5 pm rather than working through lunch. He is not getting that we often work through lunch. I do this at 830 am so it doesn't interfere with the rest of my workday. My alternative is to go at lunch but then I will not be able to attend any meetings at that time. This week alone 3 days i had lunchtime meetings! So petty!
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:04 AM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by stinger
So I wrote back "sure I could make up the half hour at lunch as well". His response 2 days later was I would prefer you flexing to 5 pm rather than working through lunch. He is not getting that we often work through lunch. I do this at 830 am so it doesn't interfere with the rest of my workday. My alternative is to go at lunch but then I will not be able to attend any meetings at that time. This week alone 3 days i had lunchtime meetings! So petty!
Well if he isn't willing to work with you at all then I would start taking my full lunch breaks and if you miss meetings so be it - he'll have to work around it.
I'm in a pretty pissy mood today so maybe this response is biased.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:12 AM |
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tara73
carseat nerd
Member since 11/09 3669 total posts
Name:
Buttercup
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New boss same job vent
Again, from a different perspective:
Since it took him 2 days to respond, it sound like he possibly may have been clarifying policies with HR to see if it is allowed. HR's standard answer is likely to be no, it's against policy etc. because of laws and policies etc.
If you are currently working through lunch? Stop. He says he doesn't WANT you working through lunch, so then don't work through your lunch, take it. Also, aren't meeting requests usually scheduled ahead of time? If you know you have a meeting at a lunch time hour, say 12, then either take lunch before it or after it. Or, ask him for permission to have a standing set time for lunch that you aren't available to do these appointments every other Friday during your lunch.
He IS working with you by allowing you to flex the time. Remember, he doesn't have to allow that at all. It doesn't matter that you work extra, work your lunches etc. If your hours are stated as 8 to 4 or whatever, then him allowing you to flex IS being adaptable and flexible. He's giving an inch, you have to give an inch as well. Again, he could deny your request completely and make you use up your time.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:29 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by tara73
Again, from a different perspective:
Since it took him 2 days to respond, it sound like he possibly may have been clarifying policies with HR to see if it is allowed. HR's standard answer is likely to be no, it's against policy etc. because of laws and policies etc.
If you are currently working through lunch? Stop. He says he doesn't WANT you working through lunch, so then don't work through your lunch, take it. Also, aren't meeting requests usually scheduled ahead of time? If you know you have a meeting at a lunch time hour, say 12, then either take lunch before it or after it. Or, ask him for permission to have a standing set time for lunch that you aren't available to do these appointments every other Friday during your lunch.
He IS working with you by allowing you to flex the time. Remember, he doesn't have to allow that at all. It doesn't matter that you work extra, work your lunches etc. If your hours are stated as 8 to 4 or whatever, then him allowing you to flex IS being adaptable and flexible. He's giving an inch, you have to give an inch as well. Again, he could deny your request completely and make you use up your time.
As far as meeting requests I have to go by everyone else's schedule so no the meeting times are not as flexible or determined by me. Also if we have no set lunch time then why can't i take my lunch at 830 in the morning. Just saying.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:34 AM |
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Re: New boss same job vent
The other thing I am thinking is that in most places, business hours are until 5PM, which may be why he is pushing that.
I know you said awhile back that there are lots of other issues going on.
It sounds like this is only one of many.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:38 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
The other thing I am thinking is that in most places, business hours are until 5PM, which may be why he is pushing that.
I know you said awhile back that there are lots of other issues going on.
It sounds like this is only one of many.
My hours and many others are 830 to 430. I work for a very very large organization. He may have called HR and is trying to follow rules. And yes he is unhappy here he has already shared that.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:46 AM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by stinger
Posted by tara73
Again, from a different perspective:
Since it took him 2 days to respond, it sound like he possibly may have been clarifying policies with HR to see if it is allowed. HR's standard answer is likely to be no, it's against policy etc. because of laws and policies etc.
If you are currently working through lunch? Stop. He says he doesn't WANT you working through lunch, so then don't work through your lunch, take it. Also, aren't meeting requests usually scheduled ahead of time? If you know you have a meeting at a lunch time hour, say 12, then either take lunch before it or after it. Or, ask him for permission to have a standing set time for lunch that you aren't available to do these appointments every other Friday during your lunch.
He IS working with you by allowing you to flex the time. Remember, he doesn't have to allow that at all. It doesn't matter that you work extra, work your lunches etc. If your hours are stated as 8 to 4 or whatever, then him allowing you to flex IS being adaptable and flexible. He's giving an inch, you have to give an inch as well. Again, he could deny your request completely and make you use up your time.
As far as meeting requests I have to go by everyone else's schedule so no the meeting times are not as flexible or determined by me. Also if we have no set lunch time then why can't i take my lunch at 830 in the morning. Just saying.
You can't take your lunch at 8:30am in the morning because your boss just told you if you came in late, you'd need to work late.
Do you want your job? If so, I'd stop questioning why you can't come in late & still leave on time.
There is a new manager, new rules. Does it suck...yes absolutely. Your once flexible job has now changed. You need to decide if you can work within the new parameters.
Also, I am sure being a single mom is hugely challenging & having a flexibility is a huge advantage when you have kids. But it's not relevant to your job. Your employer doesn't have to make exceptions for single moms, parents or anyone else outside of FMLA (and that's if they need to fall under the FMLA guidelines). I know - trust me, I do know how it sucks when a new manager changes the previously flexible rules. Learn to adjust.
Our hours changed the same - now I come in at 9:30, work until 5:30. We have attorneys here that were furious at being "micromanaged". The ones that adjusted are doing fine. The ones that haven't, well most of them are no longer here.
Message edited 3/22/2013 10:59:34 AM.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:54 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by nrthshgrl
Posted by stinger
Posted by tara73
Again, from a different perspective:
Since it took him 2 days to respond, it sound like he possibly may have been clarifying policies with HR to see if it is allowed. HR's standard answer is likely to be no, it's against policy etc. because of laws and policies etc.
If you are currently working through lunch? Stop. He says he doesn't WANT you working through lunch, so then don't work through your lunch, take it. Also, aren't meeting requests usually scheduled ahead of time? If you know you have a meeting at a lunch time hour, say 12, then either take lunch before it or after it. Or, ask him for permission to have a standing set time for lunch that you aren't available to do these appointments every other Friday during your lunch.
He IS working with you by allowing you to flex the time. Remember, he doesn't have to allow that at all. It doesn't matter that you work extra, work your lunches etc. If your hours are stated as 8 to 4 or whatever, then him allowing you to flex IS being adaptable and flexible. He's giving an inch, you have to give an inch as well. Again, he could deny your request completely and make you use up your time.
As far as meeting requests I have to go by everyone else's schedule so no the meeting times are not as flexible or determined by me. Also if we have no set lunch time then why can't i take my lunch at 830 in the morning. Just saying.
You can't take your lunch at 8:30am in the morning because your boss just told you if you came in late, you'd need to work late.
Do you want your job? If so, I'd stop questioning why you can't come in late & still leave on time.
There is a new manager, new rules. Does it suck...yes absolutely. Your once flexible job has now changed. You need to decide if you can work within the new parameters.
I understand that and I tried to change my outlook but his reply didn't help. I was not serious about an 830 lunch. Yes I want my job and will suck it up thank you.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:57 AM |
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Re: New boss same job vent
Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but is it really that big a deal to stay till 5PM once a week?
Especially since you are coming in a 1/2 hour later.
I can personally think of bigger things to get worked up about on the job.
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| Posted 3/22/13 10:58 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but is it really that big a deal to stay till 5PM once a week?
Especially since you are coming in a 1/2 hour later.
I can personally think of bigger things to get worked up about on the job.
Agree yes for me it is. I am always running. I have 2 kids and am single. I am thinking the same thing about him making an issue of 5 pm. We are both making an issue and IMO there are bigger things for him to get worked up over as well! But I am something he can control here.
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| Posted 3/22/13 11:06 AM |
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by stinger
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but is it really that big a deal to stay till 5PM once a week?
Especially since you are coming in a 1/2 hour later.
I can personally think of bigger things to get worked up about on the job.
Agree yes for me it is. I am always running. I have 2 kids and am single. I am thinking the same thing about him making an issue of 5 pm. We are both making an issue and IMO there are bigger things for him to get worked up over as well! But I am something he can control here.
I'd be careful though. He is always going to have the upper hand.
And not saying you have, but whatever you do, DON'T bring your kids up.
It's not your job's responsibility to worry about kids, childcare issues, etc.
People I have worked with in the past who did this are no longer there.
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| Posted 3/22/13 11:09 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17792 total posts
Name:
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New boss same job vent
I wouldn't press it again now since you have had a lot of back and forth.
I don't think he's being unreasonable - when I take off a half an hour/hour, I make it up someplace else (but, I usually work an hour more a day than I am supposed to and most days through lunch to get things done).
After a few weeks of the extra half an hour - maybe propose spreading the time over a few days - like an extra 10 minutes for 3 days or an extra 6 minutes for 5 days...
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| Posted 3/22/13 11:23 AM |
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Blazesyth
*yawn*
Member since 5/05 8129 total posts
Name:
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Re: New boss same job vent
Posted by stinger
Posted by MorningCuppaCoffee
Also, and don't take this the wrong way, but is it really that big a deal to stay till 5PM once a week?
Especially since you are coming in a 1/2 hour later.
I can personally think of bigger things to get worked up about on the job.
Agree yes for me it is. I am always running. I have 2 kids and am single. I am thinking the same thing about him making an issue of 5 pm. We are both making an issue and IMO there are bigger things for him to get worked up over as well! But I am something he can control here.
Then maybe you should look for another job that is more flexible, or a different time slot (on your personal time) to get your allergy shots.
You get a paycheck to work from X-Y time. It's not unreasonable for them to actually ask you to do it. If there are no other arrangements and you can't stay late a half hour every week, then ask them if they would be OK with docking your paycheck for that half hour every week.
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| Posted 3/22/13 11:36 AM |
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ttnkidz
LIF Zygote
Member since 8/12 19 total posts
Name:
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New boss same job vent
I work for a large company and I would never have an issue with an employee I supervise coming in late once a week. We are all adults and know what we need to do, as long as they are willing to stay late to get there job done, I do not see an issue. They are being paid to complete a job, if they can complete it in less than 40 hours great if it takes more and they still complete it, I have no issue. There are times we are here extremely late and times the workload is less and people can leave earlier. I hate being treated like a child that has no sense of responsibility, totally understand the original OP frustration.
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| Posted 3/22/13 11:48 AM |
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