How much work is too much???

[traineewoes]

Hi. I’ve just started my new graduate trainee job. My timetable this month has been very busy with lots of working days in a row. For example I’m due to be working 9 days in a row with 1 day off, then 7 days in a row with 1 day off, then 2 days in and 1 day off, then 6 days in and 1 day off etc etc. That type of pattern. My hours are fixed which makes it slightly easier- I do 8.30 until 5.15. These are contracted hours not overtime. I know that for trainee jobs part of it involves working long hard hours and it’s sort of a rites of passage I suppose and others have done so long before I am, but I guess I’m just wondering, how many days in a row is too much? I don’t think there’s a legal limit really but I suppose at what point should I suck it up and at what point should I flag it up? I don’t want to flag it up and seem precious if it’s just something that comes with the trainer territory and I need to suck it up a bit. And for others who have worked similarly long periods, do you have any advice to make it more manageable and easier all round? Any advice or knowledge would be appreciated!!!

What industry it this?

apologies I don’t want to give it away as I want to stay anonymous. It’s similar to an office environment but open on weekends (although that’s definitely a rites of passage that comes with being at the bottom of the pecking order, having to work weekends, lol). I can’t remember if I’ve posted about my work before so I’ve NC too just in case.

Isn’t contracted hours in U.K. meant to be max 48?

I only ask what industry it is because if it’s a job at Maccy Ds then obviously not, if you’re in a position going to investment banking then yes

Oh, is it? I hadn’t realised that! I googled it and it said 12 consecutive days but then other websites said there was no limit so I assumed it was sort of a suck it up thing that came with part of the trainee territory. I really hope I’m wrong though!

Can speaking broadly about an industry to give people an idea if it's reasonable or not be that outing?

I think it's 48 hours per week max unless you sign a document to say you'll do more (that includes overtime). The 48 hours can be averaged though, so some weeks you could work more, and some less.
Check what your contract says, 4 days off in 28 days doesn't seem right, unless you're working short days

Yeah, I’m my opinion it can be

Apologies this is a lot for my tired brain to wrap itself around haha. That’s really great to know. When you say it is averaged out, would that be per month, or per year? Many thanks again for the help!

I started out in a job where I was working over 70 hours a week. Times have changed but you sucked it up and went for it.
if you’re only just starting out and asking these questions I’d say you’re not up for the role

Wow, sorry that seems a bit harsh to say I’m not up for the role. I didn’t say I couldn’t do it I just didn’t know if it was normal or not. When this is your first graduate job out of uni it’s hard to get perspective and know if it’s normal or not, that’s all I was checking.

Sorry I wasn’t meant to be harsh. But I just find if you’re first thought graduating is “too many hours” maybe it’s not for you?
that’s why I asked the industry as if it’s competitive there will be people not even questioning the hours, just wanting to get the experience

Every contract I’ve signed has waived the 48 hour rule.
OP, if you’re not doing something that puts people lives in danger then I would suck it up.
Sorry, I worked in TV and once worked 32 days straight. It was filming and the experience it gave me has led me to a very successful career.
if you’re not putting anyone’s live in danger and you’re happy with the experience you’re getting out the other end then don’t loose sight of that. I’m not saying get abused, or taking advantage of but understanding the value exchange you’re in is important.
Legally speaking I’m sure there is a limit and I’m sure someone much clever than I will come along and answer that question.

No don’t be sorry, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so argumentative. I see exactly what you mean now and you’re right, if I won’t do it there will be people at my heels who will. I think I’m just so tired and stressed and I don’t feel at all like I’m cut out for this in any way. I love the job itself but I’m doing atrocious at it since starting last month. Hoping I just need to get into it a bit more and get the hang of things

This is an anonymous forum. Unless you're the only trainee ever in the whole country, no one is going to know who you are.

That’s really helpful to know and it’s exactly like what I thought too, it all comes with the trainee territory and it’s a case of suck it up. It’s so hard to know what’s normal and what isn’t after spending the last 3 years in the university bubble. Thank you very much for the perspective and the reassurance that it helped you with your career. I’m not doing anything life or death so I agree it’s a case of suck it up buttercup. It helps to know others have been there and survived it :)

Great, like I’ve said I don’t feel comfortable sharing specifics and thankfully others have been able to offer advice and perspectives based on the information I have shared.

It's a sign that they are not a good employer. Get what you need and move on ASAP.

I know your not sharing the industry, would you say it involves quite a lot of finance ?

Sounds like the Aldi/Lidl Grad Scheme to me. Trainee Area Manager. You get a nice Audi and a good wage (unless you work out down to an hourly rate!). They absolutely OWN you though.

Are you at one of the Big Four OP, or a legal firm? If so, run very fast.

I understand you don’t want to share too much but just a broad definition of the industry would help advise.
I did long hours in my graduate years, and this now puts me in a position where I have a pretty flexible, well paid role.
Does your position offer good future prospects?

If it's that or similar, then some people are suited to that sort of setup... people that are workaholics and/or thrive under lots of pressure and a constant challenge.

I personally joined a Grad Scheme (tech sector) with a good work/life balance and 37 hrs a week. Took 15k less a year but life's for living right?!

I think most industries tend to expect a lot of hours from trainees. And some expect a lot of hours regardless of level - mine (accountancy) does!

If you haven’t opted out of the Working Time Directive expressly in your contract of employment, the maximum number of consecutive days you can work is 12, and the maximum average number of hours per week is generally 48 calculated over a 17 week period.

There are however some industry specific exceptions to this which is why it’s important to know what industry you are working in to give a full answer to your question. You can have a look here and decide whether your secret industry falls within the exceptions

https://www.gov.uk/maximum-weekly-working-hours