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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

About text messages re. work on my day off?? Bloody annoyed!

58 replies

MrsOverTheRoad · 29/08/2017 03:39

I've recently begun working for a friend's business. The friend is WONDERFUL but has gone abroad for a month.

This means that the co-director of the company is now in charge and as far as I can see, she's not really up to the job. She works full time and is trying to do that as well as run the new business.

She delegates things to me which aren't really my job...think inputting a load of data when I'm meant to be a salesperson. (it's a shop of sorts)

And not doing basic stuff in the store when it's her day in there...

Then she texts me on my days off to ask me questions about the last day's business...like "Did you get the office sorted?"

Checking up on me sort of thing or checking up on the progress of buildings works.

Then when I text back, she doesn't respond!!

I think she might feel threatned by me or something. Not sure how to handle it.

She's texted me today and said "Did the builders finish the wall?" so, knowing they had NOT finished it...due to some issues with materials I replied, "No...didn't they call you?"

Which they said they WOULD do...as the foreman wanted to explain some technical stuff to her....and she hasn't bloody responded to my text!

RUDE! Bothering me on my day off...then not responding? AIBU to be wound up?

OP posts:
ClemDanfango · 29/08/2017 03:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

awifeyforlifey · 29/08/2017 03:43

I worked for someone once who did this. I don't think you're being unreasonable. Hopefully your friend gets back soon!

Original poster
MrsOverTheRoad · 29/08/2017 03:44

God she'd pass out! Grin I might do it though...she'd be HIGHLY offended I think.

What I might actually do if she texts me back is just ignore it. She's bloody awful really.

OP posts:
Theresnonamesleft · 29/08/2017 03:47

I block people on my days off. I let them know this. It was getting ridiculous, nothing was important and if I answered every call/text/email I would have been taken below minimum wage. My actual boss fully supports this approach and does the same.

Shadow666 · 29/08/2017 04:03

Send her a summary email at the end of your working day so she knows where she stands with everything Then ignore her texts during your day off.

ButchyRestingFace · 29/08/2017 04:11

Which they said they WOULD do...as the foreman wanted to explain some technical stuff to her....and she hasn't bloody responded to my text!

Ignore her texts. She ignores your responses.

Simples.

onemorecupofcoffeefortheroad · 29/08/2017 06:13

Send her a text or email at the end of the working day before your day off giving her an update on the days' events. Finish by saying you're going offline now and will be back online when you're back at work. Then, ignore any texts received from her on your day off. Easy.

Hidingalion · 29/08/2017 07:09

Or cut her a bit of slack and help her out for a month? The business might do better, she'll learn what to do and you'll build up some goodwill with both her and the manager. Next time maybe you'll be in charge.

fiorentina · 29/08/2017 07:18

It's only a month, can you not be helpful and try and assist her, sounds like she has loads on her plate. Maybe you will be looked upon as more of an asset to the business longer term, if that's what you want? In my experience small company you can't just be sales/HR/accounts or whatever role, you have to be flexible, helpful and do what you can?

Maybe manage her more proactively in terms of updating her before your days off.

annandale · 29/08/2017 07:22

If it's going to play on your mind then ring her don't text.

Beerwench · 29/08/2017 07:27

Try doing a 'handover' email with relevant information and explanations and then sign it off saying you won't be available for next 24 hours etc and send it before the end of your working day. If she still texts then ignore unless it's life or death. Had to resort to this after getting calls on holiday about light bulbs needing replacing!

Nocabbageinmyeye · 29/08/2017 07:27

All the time would be annoying but for s month I would definitely oblige too

brasty · 29/08/2017 07:29

I don't know if you have worked for a tiny business before? It is quite usual in such places to be flexible about your job description.

BitOutOfPractice · 29/08/2017 07:32

Crikey it's not like a big corporation, you pitch in and do what's needed in a small business. And it doesn't sound like it's a constant barrage of texts, just the odd one. Just unclench. Your wonderful friend will be back in less than a month. I'm sure you can cope with half a dozen texts in the meantime

ChasedByBees · 29/08/2017 07:36

Whilst you pitch in in a small business, being contacted while on leave is out of order. I agree with sending a status email and ask her while you're in work, 'is there anything you need to know before I go on leave?'

Then you can ignore everything.

Cailleach666 · 29/08/2017 07:39

I think this is what happens in a small company.

Although the text thing is annoying to define yourself as a "salesperson" is s little limiting.
I'm not sure what that means - behind the counter retail? Field based, company car finding new clients?
In any case working towards the success of the company and pitching in will contribute to everyone's success, including yours.

missmollyhadadolly · 29/08/2017 07:40

It's a sort of power trip isn't it. She texts you on your days off, you respond, but she doesn't have to respond to you as she's the 'boss'.

Ignore, ignore, ignore.

And speak to your friend about her incompetence.

ShowerGel9 · 29/08/2017 07:41

oh my.

I have had text/ phone calls on my day off.
I have even gone into work on my day of to change a SENTENCE that needed to be corrected - that could have waited to be changed another time.

I just feel the pressure from work. My boss has also had me texting a collegue ( who is also a close friend of my boss) on a sick day to ask her a question.

Pretty standard where i work tbh

Floellabumbags · 29/08/2017 07:42

So the other business owner has buggered off for a month? That's ridiculous, I'd look for another job with people who are committed.

brasty · 29/08/2017 07:42

Not a power trip, just sounds like someone massively stressed.

Xeneth88 · 29/08/2017 07:43

Totally normal in small businesses, you really should email a handover at the end of the shift though to help.

Pollydonia · 29/08/2017 07:46

Tell her straight, you cannot be contacted during non working hours. Boiles my piss . Am old boss of mine called me during my birthday meal when I was on holiday abroad regarding a stationary order - one of the many reasons I left the company.

BitOutOfPractice · 29/08/2017 07:46

Floella how do you know the friend isn't away on a business trip?

SilverBirchTree · 29/08/2017 07:47

In a small business, you can't really cling to titles and roles as much- everyone pitches in a bit more so I think that's normal.

If you don't want to be contacted on your day off, then send a status report at the end of your shift, ending with 'If there are any questions, im available to answer them until 6pm today and then I'll be back online 9am Monday.'

Ragwort · 29/08/2017 07:56

This sounds totally normal for a small business, as others have said, unless you work for a big corporation few people have strict 'job descriptions' and it is often assumed (rightly or wrongly) that 'everyone' will pitch in to help out.

One of the reasons both DH and I left corporate life was due to the absolute pettyness of who does what and whinging about 'its not my responsibility' over incredibly minor issues. like the choice of toilet paper.

Help out for a month and then have a frank discussion with your boss/friend (never a good idea by the way) when she returns.