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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think employers want too much nowadays

59 replies

Jobbbbbbz · 02/03/2022 20:21

NC as job related.

Do you think employers want too much nowadays? It’s not a 9-5 anymore is it? It’s a 8-6 and then a bit/lot of evening work.

Plus it’s the stress of high expectations. Maybe I’m remembering things wrong, but I’m sure a job used to be a job and as long as you were showing improvements each year that was enough. Seems like expectations have become exponential nowadays. Sound like a right old fart 💨

OP posts:
RobynMyEmployer · 03/03/2022 17:38

@CremeEggThief

No way am I ever going above and beyond for any bosses ever again after years of doing extra and getting no recognition or thanks for it!!
That's probably sensible but I'd also try and avoid becoming jaded. I've finally found a company who genuinely appreciate my work and it's recognised and duly rewarded when I put in the extra work.
DetailMouse · 03/03/2022 17:44

When I started work for a bank in 1988, I was regularly there until 8pm.

I agree the working day gets too stretched if you let it, but I don't think it's anything to do with "nowadays"

I learned to say enough's enough and finish when I'd done a decent day's work. Eyebrows were raised by colleagues sometimes but it never did me any harm.

mouldycrew · 03/03/2022 17:46

@Mooserp

Plenty of my colleagues work long hours. Not unusual to receive emails at midnight. And their health and wellbeing suffers.
I work flexi. So I don't sit at my laptop waiting for work. I work when there is work. Can be an issue if you go out somewhere, but I can usually manage as long as I get it done. I work with others on different time zones, so yes emails at midnight, but doesn't mean I read them then. I did do some work last night in bed, but then I had only worked about 2 hours during the day. Pros and cons to everything.
Winebottle · 03/03/2022 18:06

I get my salary for doing job. I'm not on an hourly rate so don't view it as unpaid overtime.

It works the other way too. I can turn up and leave when I want (within reason). If I want to take a 2 hour lunch, I can.

If I had to clock in an out and they timed my breaks so they could take it off my pay, then I wouldn't be doing extra work for free.

I don't imagine it has changed much. My dad worked in factories so always finished on time. Its probably still like that in many industries.

Equally, I bet salaried professionals didn't finish at 5 on the dot when they could have closed a big deal if there stayed until 5:10, even 30 years ago.

CremeEggThief · 03/03/2022 18:10

I actually really like my current boss now, Robyn, but I'm mid-40s and have learned my lesson! I even did voluntary work in the past where I really put myself out, only to not get considered when a paid work opportunity came along. So the lesson I learned from that is what someone is willing to do for free is not valued!

RobynMyEmployer · 03/03/2022 18:16

@CremeEggThief

I actually really like my current boss now, Robyn, but I'm mid-40s and have learned my lesson! I even did voluntary work in the past where I really put myself out, only to not get considered when a paid work opportunity came along. So the lesson I learned from that is what someone is willing to do for free is not valued!
IME, it's often valued (although often not) but it won't change their mind if they've already earmarked a candidate for promotion. But I work for Sikhs and they are truly the most ethical employers I've ever had. It's seemingly part of their culture to work hard, which they certainly do, but what's good is that there seems to be very little 'shit trickles downhill' sentiment and I've watched the MD helping lads load the van on many occasions, despite being a millionaire and having loads of others who could do it instead.
JungleBungles · 03/03/2022 19:16

I work in a small team.

We started at 12 people now down to 9 soon to be 8 the rest of the team have picked up the slack…on a recruitment ban and the job we did advertise for no one applied appallingly salary

We are all drowning, stressed and working in roles which we aren’t paid for and to be honest are not confident or competent to do

I’m burning out (fast) as is all the rest of the team, I started work at 7 this morning and finished at 4.30 collected the kids and have had to log back on and I’m nearly finished have 4 more emails to send after I’ve eaten I’ve not had a lunch break, found a kit Kat in my desk! It’s been like this since last year but after the Christmas break it’s gotten unbearable I don’t mind hard work but I do mind when it’s starting to affect my family.

CarrieHughes · 03/03/2022 19:40

@CremeEggThief I'd add it's not about your boss 'appreciating' you but how much they're willing to fight for you.
Plenty of bosses appreciated me, let me leave on time/be flexible/whatever but they'd never have stuck their heads out and gotten me promoted. Or a raise.

My current org is large and it seems to be a management issue. Some teams have people getting promoted (my boss has put several people through which is reassuring) . Others have LM's who don't care about 'people management' and the only way to get promoted is to apply for a new job.

Outedonhere · 03/03/2022 20:03

booplefloof

I can relate to this, although slightly different profession. Which is why, after almost 20 years, I have changed career path.

Like you, I loved my job but I was heading for a breakdown. I really hope you manage to get that balance, although I'm unsure how Flowers

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