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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to get to not get up an hour early for the sake of 5 minutes?

244 replies

Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 01:23

Starting a new job next week, reliant on public transport for now. My hours are 9-5, have found a reasonable route which I would have to go out at half 7 and would get there at 8.48.

Just had an email through requesting me to be there at 8.45 for my first day, for a 9am start. There will be others starting the same day. WIBU to still get the bus I was aiming for, rather than having to leave the house at half 6 and hang around like a lemon for 55 minutes?

OP posts:
TinselAndKnickers · 20/06/2019 01:26

I think I'd do the hard option just for day one just because you probably won't ever have to do it again and it will look better on you - treat yourself to a coffee! Congrats on the new job Thanks

ivykaty44 · 20/06/2019 01:32

I wouldn’t be later than asked on my first day

Pemba · 20/06/2019 01:35

I think I would try to get there when they say, just to show willing on your first day. To save you getting up so early and hanging around, could you manage a taxi? Just for that first morning.

Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 01:37

@pemba could potentially get a taxi instead of my second bus but I am skint until I get paid so wouldn't be ideal.

OP posts:
Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 01:38

Also, if they say hours are 9-5, they can't expect me to turn up at 8.45 every day can they? Just for my first day I could just about cope with but ongoing I can't.

OP posts:
Leeds2 · 20/06/2019 01:41

I would be there at 8:45 on the dot. If you are even a smidge late, it will create a very bad impression. They probably want you in early on the first day to fill in a few HR forms - I doubt it will be required every day.

BritInUS1 · 20/06/2019 01:42

You need to be there for the time they have asked

HerRoyalNotness · 20/06/2019 01:43

I’d say it’s for a short orientation. Hard as it is, I’d get there on time

HappyNOTdriving · 20/06/2019 01:44

Is there anywhere close where you could go for breakfast or a coffee to use up the time before going in.

It's up to you op but I'd rather be early rather than late on my first day. Especially as it sound like the bus gets to your work at 8:48 so by the time you are actually in to the building ready to work would be closer to 9 making you more like 10-15 mins later than they asked you to come in.

It's only one day, if you can manage it I would in those circumstances.

TakeBathsNotDrugs · 20/06/2019 01:44

I'd be doing the earlier one anyway as the thought of being late stresses me out and makes me anxious. I like to aim be there ten mins or so before I need to be to allow for buses running late etc.

I'd absolutely be getting up an hour early for the first day at least as being late ok the first day looks bad on you.

StrippingTheVelvet · 20/06/2019 01:49

Don't be that person. Unless they're arseholes, they'll probably send you home a bit earlier.

Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 01:49

Ok I will get the earlier bus. Is it acceptable to actually go in at like half past then, if it's raining? It's on an industrial estate so no cafes etc to wait in.

OP posts:
newmomof1 · 20/06/2019 01:54

I'd be doing the earlier one anyway

Me too, 100%.
I wouldn't be relying on a bus that only gives me 12 spare minutes. They're not the most reliable forms of transport as it is.

OP also remember you must be ready to start work at 9am - not just be at the workplace.
That includes getting off the bus, to the workplace, morning pleasantries, coat off, morning brew prepared, computer turned on (or hands thoroughly washed or whatever your industry's equivalent is), etc.

You might be ok to get the later bus in the school holidays but I'd be getting the earlier one until you've passed your probation at the very least

Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 02:02

You can tell I'm woefully unprepared for the world of work - at uni I would leave half an hour to get to a lecture 12 minutes away, but 6am is alien to me!

Hopefully after the first week I'll be getting a lift and then eventually driving. Might be straight in from work to bed at 7pm to be able to get up again at 6 the next day - at least it'll help with my diet if I have no time to eat! Wink

OP posts:
ivykaty44 · 20/06/2019 02:06

How far are you travelling on two buses in an hour and twenty minutes?

Totur · 20/06/2019 02:07

This is not uni. This is where you're being paid to be there and if you're not you'll just get fired.

Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 02:10

@ivy according to Google maps, about 18 miles.

OP posts:
blubblubblub · 20/06/2019 02:10

I agree with the PP. You must be there by 8.45 on the first day and really have a think about your transport for the other days too. 12mins seems to be cutting it too fine. A small accident or bad weather could easily make you late quite regularly. Of course you can go into work if you get there earlier - unless they don't actually unlock doors til 9 but by the sounds of it with a lot of people there's bound to be someone already there.
The transition from Uni to work is an eye opener, but it's your responsibility to be at your desk (or wherever you work at), ready to start at 9, and if that means getting an earlier bus to ensure that you are, then so be it.

Original poster
Makemeaname · 20/06/2019 02:16

@blub it definitely is - I'm used to 9am meaning 9am but will have to change that soon.

I wish there was an in-between way of getting there - the 6.30 route requires 2 buses and a train in the wrong direction and costs about twice as much as the 7.30 route but will have to do it for the first day at least - then I should be able to judge how long the computer takes to switch on and how many miles inside the building I need to walk.

Just wish I'd bought a bloody car when I was 17.

OP posts:
newmomof1 · 20/06/2019 02:22

It may be that someone there lives close to you and is willing to give you lifts on once you're settled (with you giving petrol money of course).

Little bit of advice if you struggle with early mornings - start getting into your routine now.
You could even spend Friday morning getting up and travelling the route you will travel on Monday, to ensure you know exactly where you're going and timings

ivykaty44 · 20/06/2019 02:29

I would have breakfast, take liquid refreshing a travel cup and breakfast in a pot, on the bus and get off one stop earlier to walk and use the the extra time.

ivykaty44 · 20/06/2019 02:33

Roll on www.aldi.co.uk/crane-e-scooter/p/084795283900800 these being made legal in uk at least then you can take it on the bus and go part way using electric - between bus stops instead of the train maybe

HennyPennyHorror · 20/06/2019 02:41

I would go earlier and either go to a cafe or take a coffee and croissant with me and just hunker down somewhere. Best to be on time.

Alicewond · 20/06/2019 02:45

Surely the workplace has a kitchen, you arrive early, you have a cup of tea and get to have small chat with colleagues...bonus!

apacketofcrisps · 20/06/2019 03:00

Will you have more reliable transport going forward? I can’t see the bus always being on time.