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How can I be more outgoing at work?

Bosses, I need your opinion: How can I ask my boss if I can not work overtime on SOME weekends? (I'm still on my probationary period)?

  • I'm a graphic designer for a mall, and work mon-fri, but on sat/sun, theres events that last all day, & they require us to work OVERTIME to help out. I LOVE it but i dont get to rest much & dont have much time for loved ones :( When I first applied, the ad said "must be able to work flexible hours". I didn't want that, since Im busy weekends (volunteer for church, helping w/ events, and spending time with fam/boyfriend), BUT decided to try and see if it'd work. but then i was told we TAKE TURNS working overtime so no one burns out, so I was relieved and THAT made me take the job. BUT since I started 4 wks ago, I worked EVERY saturday :( there's only 2 ppl who work overtime w/ me and to them, that's not enough so it seems there is no choice but for everyone to BE there, so i cant ask anyone to cover me if i cant go :( so I get really tired. I thought theyd tell me in advance when i need to work, but when i ask, my boss only tells me SUPER last minute so I cant plan :( 1. How do I politely ask if it is MANDATORY to work OVERTIME EVERY weekend? 2. How can I bring up the deal of taking turrns without sounding like I am not committed/flexible? I mean, that's the only reason I really accepted the job, because they SPECIFICALLy told me all employees get to TAKE TURNS so no one burns out; but apparently that isn't the case, considering I've worked all weekends since I was hired...and I'm really drained :( Plus, they never told me about the events portion, and that I'd have to help out, when i specifically asked them what the job entails :( 3. How do I ask him for time off if I'm really drained and need rest? 4. How do I ask him to let me know in advance or get a schedule of when I need to come in to work so I can plan ahead without seeming like all i care about is my personal life? :( It's technically overtime, not within my actual 40 hours.... I've missed my best friend's baby wedding and may have to even miss Mother's day celebration, cause of being called i

  • Answer:

    As I'm sure you are aware of, the probationary period of employment is a very precarious time. Any excuse, even in a Union shop, can cost you your job. That aside, the real issue is that your employer has already lied to you and chances are things won't get any better. So you have to decide whether to suck-it-up and be prepared for the worst or write-it-off as a bad career move and move on. If you are willing to move on ............ THEN confront management with your grievances as you'll have nothing to lose ... hypothetically speaking. Anyway .... good luck. :)

/chlowheee at Answerbag.com Visit the source

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Questions you must ask yourself so you can adjust your approach accordingly. First, - how important is this job to you? - have you thought of applying elsewhere? - would you consider this as a temporary job until you find something else? Second, - how many co-workers do you have? - how many of those are eligible to make the same overtime? - how many do actually do overtime as you do? - how do those co-workers feel about this overtime? Ask to see your boss because there's something important you want to discuss with him/her. Make notes so that you're well prepared for the meeting. Take your notes with you and during the meeting refer to your notes to make certain that: - you go through each point in the right sequence - you don't forget anything. Important - Do not turn this meeting into a confrontation. You are asking your boss for advice and you're looking for help to sort out stress levels caused by being unable to plan your weekends.

Grasshopper

Are you sure you want to take that risk during your probation? In many ways you, and your loyalty, are being tested. Suck it up and work when asked to for now. Later you can discuss with your boss about not having to work so much OT. Also, what on earth is a baby wedding?

Wellduh

The question is - how important are you to your employer, and how easily replaced. Graphic designer is a skilled job, and if you are good at it, your employer will want to keep you. It is, generally, difficult to get and retain people with good skills. Better a good graphic designer who only works some weekends than a bad one who works all the time. So if you are good, you will have some bargaining power. Use it politely, but use it: say that you feel both the need and the right for more clear days off. Of course, if you can be easily replaced, it is easier to get rid of you during a probationary period. But you should see the period as a two-way thing: if the job is too much for you, you shouldn't be doing it, even though you may enjoy it. Put the company on probation as well as yourself. And if you and they cannot work out a schedule both are happy with, leave and find another job.

Im Alec

At the same time you are under probation, you are seeing how the company works. This company, it seems to me doesn't have respect for you as a graphic artist. A graphic artist is well educated and isn't just a worker. You are a professional artist. The company should have given you a better description about your job. The job of a graphic artist is difficult enough. I can see why you stay tired. Working overtime and being flexible should mean working every other Saturday. You should be able to get off for important family events. If you need the job, stick out the probationary period. However, if they decide to hire you, you should also have your terms of working. Tell your boss you would really like to work but your health and family are important to you. If you have a good boss he will agree, as those things are also important to him. If not, find another job. Your health and mental health are more important.

Marguerite

How many employees does your company have? Ask them of their experience while on probation if they went to such kind of "initiation". Then get back to me. ;))

MORONI

You can't ask. And if you are this nutsy and antsy and worried; you are going to have no hours at all pretty soon. Companies don't like pains in the asses. Shut up. That is what probation is for. To see if they can stand your ass.

TOWEL OF THE CORN

Don't ruffle things, be grateful you have a job!

AIAR

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