To think she should do the overtime

[Redrupunzle]

So I started a new job last month, it's low paid (8.50) and is temporary, to cover maternity leave. Tbh I'm way over qualified but I've been out of the work place for nearly 4 years after having my eldest and now my youngest is 1 I'm wanting some part time work in this field just to dip my toe back in and freshen my cv a bit. I've no intention of working more then two days until my youngest starts school and I've definitely no intention of working weekends ever again. I've done jobs since I was 14 and worked all hours and now I want to put my family and my life first, I'm also starting a course in September to freshen up some skills. Anyway that's the background. So the job is 2 days per week and I made it clear that that's all I could do, hr we're still delighted to have me on board. My manager has now come and said the woman on the reception desk has two weeks holiday coming up and I need to help cover. I said I don't really have childcare but I'll ask and try and do an extra weekday on each of the weeks. Shes not happy and said she needs me to do the Saturday. I said "I'm sorry I can't I spend the weekends with my kids", She then said "I understand that but if you don't cover it I'll have to and my kids are in nursery 8-6 5 days a week and I really need my weekends with them". I replied that I was sorry I couldn't help. Shes not happy and I get that but imo I'm not paid well enough to want to do a Saturday, her salary is at least 22k (I know as my previous job was her job in another company) and it's her responsibility, that's what happens in her position. My friend disagrees and says as "someone lower" I should be picking up the slack. I feel I made my position very clear right at the beginning.

A lack of planning on the managers part does not constitute an emergency on OPs.

Hasnt your manager heard of temping agencies?

Her salary is 32k? I missed that. All the people telling OP she should've done the manager's job for her are being even more ludicrous then. Shes on twice what OP is on. For a reason!

Could it be that the role the OP is on usually does share cover in this instance, and as such the manager has had this dumped on her when the hiring panel didn't ensure the OP knew this?

Its HER JOB as Manager to plan for this. It isn't like the other person has unexpectedly booked her holiday I presume?

Having said that, I'd offer to just do one Saturday perhaps. A little goodwill can often go a long way. But make it clear this is a one-off.

She's trying to bully you into it. She should have planned her cover better and her childcare isn't your problem. Say NO.

My worry would be that someone who tries to bully a subordinate on half her salary is that, given an inch, she would then want a mile.

Here's the thing: you made it clear what you were prepared to do and if your contract states 2 days a week you are not duty bound to do the weekend.

Hower: your post makes you sound like a stuck up douche.

She also works her contracted hours and unlike you works full time so why should she work 6 days a week and do over time yet you're too good to?

She's asking you as a favour, not trying to change your hours, it's called teamwork and while you may feel you're over qualified your attitude sucks.

What will happen when you need a favour or a reference?

Over qualified or not, I would not be inclined to hire you.

I would probably do it because I work for a charity and we don't have many resources. My employer treats me very well in terms of flexibility.

DP wouldn't though, because he works a manual job for peanuts and his employers are awful and offer no flexibility at all.

I think it depends on the circumstances

You sound like an arrogant jobsworth.

A month in, I’d be seriously reconsidering having you on my payroll.

I wouldn't assume that the manager was a poor planner, I would assume that the person in the OP's role prior to her would cover with the manager. However the manager has been dropped in the shit by the hiring people hiring someone completely inflexible.

The OP is doubtless mortified to hear that people who think she should do the shitwork for someone on double her salary wouldn't hire her. But, piss taking bosses though some of you sound, if you're telling the truth then you're at least better than the company here. They knew about OPs limitations and still hired her anyway.

Depends on your contract and how much you want this job. Extra hours are common when you are part time

I don't think OP sounds like an arrogant jobsworth or stuck up. I think she sounds like someone who agreed a contract for a certain pay. And that's fine. She make it clear that she doesn't want to work Saturdays.

Her manager also agreed a contract for a certain level of pay. If she can't manage her staffing levels then she needs to take it up with her manager, not guilt trip/bully other staff. Otherwise nothing will change, and the situation will arise again.

Teamwork doesn't mean allowing your employer to make more profit by not having enough staff etc. Although the way some people are talking on this thread it would seem that most employees should stick a broom up their arse and clean the floor whilst they're at it so the employer can cut back on cleaning staff - all in the name of teamwork.

You made it very clear you wouldn't be working weekends, so don't.

The company can arrange cover; if you do it you are saving them the cost of a person to cover reception, which is how much? Are you getting paid that much?

You said what you could work and they accepted it. They should pay for cover at reception. My work does this and it drives me mad.

It’s not your responsibility about the manager and her time off. Yes, it can be good to help work out bu you’ve just started and they’re already asking you to do things you made clear you couldn’t do. You can be polite and apologetic but say no. YANBU

£8.50/hour is not enough to pay someone to be a Team Player.

It's fine to be asked if you want extra hours, but you're absolutely entitled to say no. It's the manager's responsibility to deal with that.

Would be interested to know who is going to do the Saturday

I'm sorry but being a team player should not be dependent on how much you get paid!!