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AIBU?

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Original poster

How much work is too much???

58 replies

traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:10

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!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:23

DojaPhat · 22/07/2023 00:22

Can speaking broadly about an industry to give people an idea if it's reasonable or not be that outing? Confused

Yeah, I’m my opinion it can be

OP posts:
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

DojaPhat · 22/07/2023 00:22

Can speaking broadly about an industry to give people an idea if it's reasonable or not be that outing? Confused

Original poster
traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:18

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:16

Isn’t contracted hours in U.K. meant to be max 48?

Oh, is it? I hadn’t realised that! I googled it and it said 12 consecutive days but then other websites said there was no limit so I assumed it was sort of a suck it up thing that came with part of the trainee territory. I really hope I’m wrong though!

OP posts:
Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:18

I only ask what industry it is because if it’s a job at Maccy Ds then obviously not, if you’re in a position going to investment banking then yes

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:16

Isn’t contracted hours in U.K. meant to be max 48?

Original poster
traineewoes · 22/07/2023 00:14

Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:11

What industry it this?

apologies I don’t want to give it away as I want to stay anonymous. It’s similar to an office environment but open on weekends (although that’s definitely a rites of passage that comes with being at the bottom of the pecking order, having to work weekends, lol). I can’t remember if I’ve posted about my work before so I’ve NC too just in case.

OP posts:
Bluesheeps · 22/07/2023 00:11

What industry it this?

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