Page 2 | How much work is too much???

traineewoes · 2023-07-21T23:10:05+00:00

Hi. I’ve just started my new graduate trainee job. My timetable this month has been very busy with lots of working days in a row. For example I’m due to be working 9 days in a row with 1 day off, then 7 days in a row with 1 day off, then 2 days in and 1 day off, then 6 days in and 1 day off etc etc. That type of pattern. My hours are fixed which makes it slightly easier- I do 8.30 until 5.15. These are contracted hours not overtime. I know that for trainee jobs part of it involves working long hard hours and it’s sort of a rites of passage I suppose and others have done so long before I am, but I guess I’m just wondering, how many days in a row is too much? I don’t think there’s a legal limit really but I suppose at what point should I suck it up and at what point should I flag it up? I don’t want to flag it up and seem precious if it’s just something that comes with the trainer territory and I need to suck it up a bit. And for others who have worked similarly long periods, do you have any advice to make it more manageable and easier all round? Any advice or knowledge would be appreciated!!!

hellywelly3 · 22/07/2023 01:47

My parents worked 28 days then had 6 days off. And when they were working they were effectively on call 24/7. Lived where they worked. Lots of jobs are like that

Hawkins0001 · 22/07/2023 01:19

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 01:01

All the advice is really appreciated. I just don’t feel comfortable explaining in too much detail just in case but yeah, it’s finance related, that’s about as much as I feel comfortable saying apologies. But all the perspective is really appreciated. It’s definitely a career that has good prospects if I can stop being so utterly useless at it. it’s only been a month so hopefully I find my feet and start improving soon and then it won’t all seem so bad. In the meantime I think I just need to splash my face, put on my moisturiser and have a good nights sleep and I’m sure I’ll feel more positive about it all in the morning :)

That's understandable, when your a grad the usual expectations are clocking in many hours as possible based on friend of a friend.
At some firms it's been set that dinner is at the office and clocking out is around 9pm start at 8am

I guess are you hungry enough for the role and the success you hope to achieve.

Hawkins0001 · 22/07/2023 01:17

BatheInTheLight · 22/07/2023 00:48

Sounds like the Aldi/Lidl Grad Scheme to me. Trainee Area Manager. You get a nice Audi and a good wage (unless you work out down to an hourly rate!). They absolutely OWN you though.

Friend of a friend said that, you get the $$ but they want the work for it

HugeArtPrint0ffer · 22/07/2023 01:11

Look on www.gov.uk about how many paid holidays you are due per year if you are employed

In UK it is 20+ ( can't remember exact) Some companies offer more

Secondly, if you work extra hours, you are supposed to receive more days holiday

Does your contract of employment specify how much holiday entitlement ?

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http://www.gov.uk

Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 01:01

All the advice is really appreciated. I just don’t feel comfortable explaining in too much detail just in case but yeah, it’s finance related, that’s about as much as I feel comfortable saying apologies. But all the perspective is really appreciated. It’s definitely a career that has good prospects if I can stop being so utterly useless at it. it’s only been a month so hopefully I find my feet and start improving soon and then it won’t all seem so bad. In the meantime I think I just need to splash my face, put on my moisturiser and have a good nights sleep and I’m sure I’ll feel more positive about it all in the morning :)

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mellicauli · 22/07/2023 00:59

Here you go. 24 hours rest in 7 day period.
https://www.acas.org.uk/rest-breaks

But there's probably no point in complaining. Just move on if you don't want to live like that. (I wouldn't)

The right to rest: Rest and breaks at work - Acas

The daily and weekly rest breaks an employee is entitled to.

https://www.acas.org.uk/rest-breaks

Clymene · 22/07/2023 00:54

Okay, good luck. You asked if it came with the territory but no one can really answer that unless you're prepared to say what industry.

Labraradabrador · 22/07/2023 00:54

In my first couple of years of management consulting I worked 60-80 hours a week, often working through weekends, with no overtime and rare,y finding time for holiday. It is the norm for my industry, and the positive side is the amount of experience I crammed into a relatively short time period, which directly translates into pay rises. Coming on 20 years into the industry and both my husband and I rarely work more than 45-50hours but are on extremely high salaries. I do feel like I invested in my esrly years (lower average hourly wage ) in order to climb he ladder quickly and find opportunities to earn a very healthy wage at more minimal personal sacrifice.

different careers have different expectations and trajectories. There is no point comparing career paths without also thinking through cost/ impact of making a change

Katrinawaves · 22/07/2023 00:53

If you haven’t opted out of the Working Time Directive expressly in your contract of employment, the maximum number of consecutive days you can work is 12, and the maximum average number of hours per week is generally 48 calculated over a 17 week period.

There are however some industry specific exceptions to this which is why it’s important to know what industry you are working in to give a full answer to your question. You can have a look here and decide whether your secret industry falls within the exceptions

https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours

Maximum weekly working hours

Working time directive and maximum weekly working hours including how to calculate your weekly working hours and working time limits if you're a young worker.

https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours

Pinkitydrinkity · 22/07/2023 00:53

I think most industries tend to expect a lot of hours from trainees. And some expect a lot of hours regardless of level - mine (accountancy) does!

BatheInTheLight · 22/07/2023 00:52

If it's that or similar, then some people are suited to that sort of setup... people that are workaholics and/or thrive under lots of pressure and a constant challenge.

I personally joined a Grad Scheme (tech sector) with a good work/life balance and 37 hrs a week. Took 15k less a year but life's for living right?!

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:50

I understand you don’t want to share too much but just a broad definition of the industry would help advise.
I did long hours in my graduate years, and this now puts me in a position where I have a pretty flexible, well paid role.
Does your position offer good future prospects?

wanttokickoffbutcant · 22/07/2023 00:50

Are you at one of the Big Four OP, or a legal firm? If so, run very fast.

BatheInTheLight · 22/07/2023 00:48

Sounds like the Aldi/Lidl Grad Scheme to me. Trainee Area Manager. You get a nice Audi and a good wage (unless you work out down to an hourly rate!). They absolutely OWN you though.

Hawkins0001 · 22/07/2023 00:48

I know your not sharing the industry, would you say it involves quite a lot of finance ?

mellicauli · 22/07/2023 00:45

It's a sign that they are not a good employer. Get what you need and move on ASAP.

Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:44

Clymene · 22/07/2023 00:43

This is an anonymous forum. Unless you're the only trainee ever in the whole country, no one is going to know who you are.

Great, like I’ve said I don’t feel comfortable sharing specifics and thankfully others have been able to offer advice and perspectives based on the information I have shared.

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Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:43

Newjobformoremoney · 22/07/2023 00:37

Every contract I’ve signed has waived the 48 hour rule.
OP, if you’re not doing something that puts people lives in danger then I would suck it up.
Sorry, I worked in TV and once worked 32 days straight. It was filming and the experience it gave me has led me to a very successful career.
if you’re not putting anyone’s live in danger and you’re happy with the experience you’re getting out the other end then don’t loose sight of that. I’m not saying get abused, or taking advantage of but understanding the value exchange you’re in is important.
Legally speaking I’m sure there is a limit and I’m sure someone much clever than I will come along and answer that question.

That’s really helpful to know and it’s exactly like what I thought too, it all comes with the trainee territory and it’s a case of suck it up. It’s so hard to know what’s normal and what isn’t after spending the last 3 years in the university bubble. Thank you very much for the perspective and the reassurance that it helped you with your career. I’m not doing anything life or death so I agree it’s a case of suck it up buttercup. It helps to know others have been there and survived it :)

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Clymene · 22/07/2023 00:43

This is an anonymous forum. Unless you're the only trainee ever in the whole country, no one is going to know who you are.

Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:40

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:32

Sorry I wasn’t meant to be harsh. But I just find if you’re first thought graduating is “too many hours” maybe it’s not for you?
that’s why I asked the industry as if it’s competitive there will be people not even questioning the hours, just wanting to get the experience

No don’t be sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so argumentative. I see exactly what you mean now and you’re right, if I won’t do it there will be people at my heels who will. I think I’m just so tired and stressed and I don’t feel at all like I’m cut out for this in any way. I love the job itself but I’m doing atrocious at it since starting last month. Hoping I just need to get into it a bit more and get the hang of things

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Newjobformoremoney · 22/07/2023 00:37

Every contract I’ve signed has waived the 48 hour rule.
OP, if you’re not doing something that puts people lives in danger then I would suck it up.
Sorry, I worked in TV and once worked 32 days straight. It was filming and the experience it gave me has led me to a very successful career.
if you’re not putting anyone’s live in danger and you’re happy with the experience you’re getting out the other end then don’t loose sight of that. I’m not saying get abused, or taking advantage of but understanding the value exchange you’re in is important.
Legally speaking I’m sure there is a limit and I’m sure someone much clever than I will come along and answer that question.

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:32

Sorry I wasn’t meant to be harsh. But I just find if you’re first thought graduating is “too many hours” maybe it’s not for you?
that’s why I asked the industry as if it’s competitive there will be people not even questioning the hours, just wanting to get the experience

Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:29

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:26

I started out in a job where I was working over 70 hours a week. Times have changed but you sucked it up and went for it.
if you’re only just starting out and asking these questions I’d say you’re not up for the role

Wow, sorry that seems a bit harsh to say I’m not up for the role. I didn’t say I couldn’t do it I just didn’t know if it was normal or not. When this is your first graduate job out of uni it’s hard to get perspective and know if it’s normal or not, that’s all I was checking.

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Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:26

I started out in a job where I was working over 70 hours a week. Times have changed but you sucked it up and went for it.
if you’re only just starting out and asking these questions I’d say you’re not up for the role

Original poster

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:25

Coolblur · 22/07/2023 00:23

I think it's 48 hours per week max unless you sign a document to say you'll do more (that includes overtime). The 48 hours can be averaged though, so some weeks you could work more, and some less.
Check what your contract says, 4 days off in 28 days doesn't seem right, unless you're working short days

Apologies this is a lot for my tired brain to wrap itself around haha. That’s really great to know. When you say it is averaged out, would that be per month, or per year? Many thanks again for the help!

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