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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not want to work a 24-hour day because "it's fun"?

284 replies

KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:07

Probably a bit outing, so will keep it brief.

I work for a super cool trendy startup in a pretty senior role. My boss decided that the entire team should do a Hackathon style event where we try to solve a couple of big business problems in teams... Overnight. The "event" starts at 4 pm (after we've already been at work since 8:30) and ends at 10 am the next morning. After that, we can "have the rest of the day off."

But what about sleep? "Oh, there'll be coffee. And if anyone needs a power nap there are a couple of sofas."

I really don't want to do this - I'm usually asleep by 9:30 and don't cope with late nights, and won't see DC for 36 hours if I do this... But I know that I'll be told I'm setting a poor example for my team and that this is meant as a team bonding kind of thing.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:28

lottiegarbanzo How did you know? - "So this way everyone can have a long weekend!"

OP posts:
PickAChew · 27/01/2019 00:28

Is your boss 19? Or doing coke?

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:29

DareDevil - Oh sugar, I'm going to have to drive after that too! I'm probably the only one who does that too!

OP posts:
Riotingbananas · 27/01/2019 00:30

Mmm remind him of the company's obligations under EWTD. Tell him that you'd hate him to be reported for a breach, bearing in mind employees can't opt out of the rest requirements.

Fr3d · 27/01/2019 00:32

Errr...working time directive?? 11 hours rest per 24 hour period...So max 13 hour day!

I would be making them aware of their legal obligations for the sake of all your careers

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:32

Riotingbananas - Guess what, or contracts include an opt out clause from EWTD. (To be fair, every single one of my jobs had that clause...)

OP posts:
Riotingbananas · 27/01/2019 00:32

Oh and if someone had an accident after being forced to work those hours, the HSE will be all over him.

RCohle · 27/01/2019 00:34

I mean obviously YNBU to think this is a shit idea and not want to do it.

However, I think stuff like this is part of the culture at "young fun start ups" and refusing to participate will earn you a reputation as an old fuddy duddy. The culture at the company clearly isn't geared around people who need to get home to the kids.

I'd grit my teeth for the sake of the job.

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:34

Not forced - given the opportunity to have fun! Hmm

OP posts:
VimFuego101 · 27/01/2019 00:36

I'm too old for that shit. Do you have a decent HR department who would care that people were driving home after such a long work day/ night?

Urwotu8t · 27/01/2019 00:37

What is the fun part? Do you all go in dressed as clowns?

Riotingbananas · 27/01/2019 00:37

You can't opt out of the rest requirements of the EWTD, only the 48hrs limit. That's a common misconception.

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:38

RCohle - Yes that's what I'm worried about. I mean it's true - I am kind of old and boring compared to the kids there, but it's a cool job in other ways and I'm great at it. Just not in the middle of the night. I don't actually do any intelligent work after 3 pm on any day because I'm best in the mornings.

I was kind of planning to see if anyone else opts out before doing anything....?

OP posts:
Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:40

Ooooh, Riotingbananas, that gets more interesting now... I really had no idea. But if I'm the one who gets all legal on them, that's probably career suicide right there...?

OP posts:
Tweety1981 · 27/01/2019 00:40

Tell them that you tend to react badly to not sleeping so will need to take an extra day off in lieu

SugarinaPlum · 27/01/2019 00:40

Phone in sick. On the Tuesday. It’s the only way.
Alternatively invent a “disability” that means you can’t attend. Young people are so “woke” to trendy differences your only way out will be to out-woke them in a trendy way.

RCohle · 27/01/2019 00:42

I'm a lawyer and it's a problem a lot of my friends who have gone in house have run into. They're older than the rest of the team, in a senior role and, as lawyers, spend a lot of time telling bright young things that they're not allowed to do things.

From a practical perspective I really wouldn't bring up things like the EWTD. It's not going to endear you to the boss, nor help you fit in.

gluteustothemaximus · 27/01/2019 00:42

Stupid and dangerous for those driving home after the night of ‘fun’.

By making it ‘optional’ has he absolved himself of any rights or responsibilities? Just wondering.

Riotingbananas · 27/01/2019 00:44

Not if you badge it as showing concern for him ie if someone had an accident, you'd hate for him to be investigated and be in serious trouble.

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:45

RCohle I know. I can neither play the HR nor Legal card here. I'd be forever known as the troublemaker.

OP posts:
Riotingbananas · 27/01/2019 00:46

So employers should be allowed to flout H & S legislation then?

Fr3d · 27/01/2019 00:46

Ask will taxis be provided. No opt out from rest periods afaik. And the company still has a duty of care to employees, it's bit hard to justify PLANNING a 26 hour day. I would expect senior managers to at least make top management aware of obligations.

Or take him at his word and take an 8 hour power nap Grin

Iloveautumnleaves · 27/01/2019 00:50

‘That’s great that you’ll have SO much fun, I look forward to hearing about it on Friday’

Job done.

They’ll get over it.

Original poster
KentishMama · 27/01/2019 00:51

Riotingbananas Of course they should not be. But that doesn't mean I have the guts to be the one who challenges them!

OP posts:
RCohle · 27/01/2019 00:51

I'm not saying it's right, but I think many people are in a situation where trying to enforce their strict legal rights with their employer is virtually impossible, or at least ill advisable.