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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To have taken overtime when other workers usually take it?

59 replies

OvertimeSchmovertime · 28/11/2025 12:28

I’m new to my office (around a month) and an offer of overtime came up today. I immediately said yes because money is tight and I could do with it. After I said yes, I was pulled to the side and said that even though it’s offered to the whole office, there’s usually three part time workers who take it because they’re always struggling. Apparently it’s a bit of an unwritten rule. AIBU to take it anyway? Even if it’s just for a month or two I could really use the money heading into the new year

OP posts:
Luxio · 28/11/2025 12:41

Ignore your colleague. If they choose to prioritise other people who have chosen to work part time over themselves that's their prerogative but that shouldn't mean that because of their ridiculous made up rules only the part time workers are permitted to do overtime.

Original poster
OvertimeSchmovertime · 28/11/2025 12:38

It was one of my coworkers who’s said it’s essentially in bad taste as they all know these three people (who have opted to work part time and job share) always take it because they’re struggling.

I’m on the bones of my arse. Even £250 extra this month would be really useful.

OP posts:
Loub1987 · 28/11/2025 12:36

Who pulled you aside? That sounds crazy. Ofcourse you should take it if you want it. What’s going to happen, some horrible colleagues won’t like you. You’re there to earn money not form the sisterhood of the travelling pants etc.

NotrialNodeal · 28/11/2025 12:36

Who offered it? Who told you it's meant to be given to the three part timers?

Luxio · 28/11/2025 12:35

No that's completely bonkers.

Most people are struggling these days even on a full-time wage I wonder if management knows about this unwritten rule?

TheMorgenmuffel · 28/11/2025 12:34

Pulled to the side by who?
Is management aware of this unwritten rule?

Original poster
OvertimeSchmovertime · 28/11/2025 12:34

Sillysoggyspaniel · 28/11/2025 12:31

Unless there's a rota of who overtime is offered to first then I'd say it's first come first served.

No rota. Just apparently nobody else ever takes it because these three people always do

OP posts:
Ladymuckypuddle · 28/11/2025 12:33

That's bonkers

They shouldn't be offering the overtime to everyone if it's the usual suspects who can only do it. Would it not make more sense to increase the others hours permanently. I would take and do the overtime op as it was offered and you took it first. Keep a close eye on this workplace sounds like it could be toxic.

Sillysoggyspaniel · 28/11/2025 12:31

Unless there's a rota of who overtime is offered to first then I'd say it's first come first served.