Do you give your all at work?

[WorkerBee123]

I work in a highly qualified but very very underpaid company, 100% from home. I have to log the hours worked and so I exaggerate them. This means I work about 2/3 of my hours. I get everything done, exceed targets etc. Anyone else do similar?

It only takes one person with a similar workload and KPIs to exceed them or say they need something else to do/are getting bored for your stats to be looked at more carefully - 'Why is it that Freda has consistently met these targets but has also asked for more work/started training/taken on another task because she's always finished by midday, whereas WB's timesheet/costing to the client says it takes her another five hours to do? I think we need to start looking at time management skills with WB and see whether she's actually up to the demands of the role'.

Needing thinking/planning time, undertaking training or anything like that is fine - but deliberately falsifying a timesheet/costings sheet? No, very, very bad idea. And one that's extremely difficult to skim over on a CV.

@CurlyhairedAssassin i know what you mean. However I just can’t be arsed going the extra mile anymore because there are so many people getting paid way more than me
that don’t go the extra mile. I don’t even want to go up the ladder. I’ve reached a stage where I look after myself. Cos I’ve had so many years of being over worked with no break etc. I do the work that has to be done, and I stay working all the hours I am paid to work. and I don’t let my colleagues down. But I won’t stay late for no good reason. Today I had no break and finished half an hour late because it was busy. I’m not going to ask for that time back. But I won’t feel guilty browsing the web another day when it’s quiet. It’s all a fair balance really.

I have periods that are wildly busy and I am working really long hours, and less busy periods where I am roaming the building looking for people to chat to, or simply babysitting my laptop for messages if wfh. I figure it balances out!

Yes, I always give my all, and I overthink lots once I'm at home. I need to learn to stop, but I think it's just part and parcel of the job.

I don’t go the extra mile because last year I got no pay rise but inflation was circa 7% so this year I’m getting paid 7% less in effect so I literally clock in and clock off. WFH days I take time to do laundry dog walks life admin etc.

If I thought I’d be rewarded by going above and beyond then I would work much much harder. But they’ve created an environment where there is no payoff for going above and beyond.

Totally feel that @bonzaitree

I don't give 100%, 100% of time. It would be impossible and I ( and we, the team would burn out) However I give 100% a lot of the time and when a lull happens, I make the most of it. Tonight, for instance three staff are watching the football and I am MNing and also planning some work for the weekend when I'm working. Tomorrow is going to be a full on day without many gaps.

That wasn't me, but yes it sounds like a short day because only those 6.5/7 hours are paid. The point PP was making was that they actually have to work for more like half as much again to do what's expected and be prepared for/follow up the hours of teaching.

It's just not possible to do 2/3 as the OP is, because there's no downtime on the timetable (one class leaves and the next walk in) and the only way to have something good ready for deliver well is to work many additional unpaid hours.

Lots of people put extra time in when they have to present something as a one off and be ready to engage others, speak really clearly and succinctly, know their stuff, get others to really get it and be confident to field questions. Teaching means you do that each evening after the kids go home at 3:30 and everyone thinks you basically work part time.

Yes. I work in a nursery with 3-4 year olds, it's full on all day and no time to take it easy!

Thank you, yes that was the point I made, you've put it perfectly.

I can’t imagine how exhausting that role must be! I honestly think it must be one of the hardest jobs out there. 💐

Sod's law that's when you get spotted "slacking" by a manager, though, isn't it? If they're any good they'll know all about the extra hours you do for nothing. If they're shit they'll pull you up on it. And that's when people start working to rule, sticking to exact hours etc, not doing management any favours etc.

@Wonkybrolly

Thank you, I appreciate that! I earn less than 30p above minimum wage, because I'm qualified and have nearly 20 years experience- and I'm expected to be grateful it's not just minimum wage! It's a good job my DH earns enough to keep us going, sadly having a love and passion for your career doesn't pay the bills.

Yes, I think that too. I could never, NEVER be a nursery worker or Early Years teacher. They deserve a medal just for getting through the day.

I would never give work 'my all'. However, I do honour my responsibilities and take some pride in what I do. To give work all of me would leave nothing for those whom I have to prioritise.

I know I don't, I do have the odd really productive day about one day a week. I do enough to make a difference but I'm not slogging myself like I used to.

I've overperformed in previous jobs, worked myself to the bone. I won't do it anymore.

Thankfully my job now is low workload and high perks so my work can be done to a high standard and I have loads of downtime. The person I replaced embezzled £100k and hit the newspapers with her crime so all I needed to do was be honest and not steal and the boss is happy.

I have had a tough last year and am determined to meeting targets this year. I give it my all at work but not sure the output is matching the input. Trying to be better at delegating what I can to focus on the stuff that requires my attention.
Work life balance is tipped the wrong way for me at the moment

I guess the issue is that after years of austerity when people just didn't get replaced if they left an organisation, sometimes working above and beyond has just become the norm. But it's not sustainable day after day, is it?. it's not just a one off here and there for a project deadline or an evening event past your hours. It's just that there's too much work for the people available to do it - on a daily basis. In the long term it's not sustainable to work through lunch each and stay late every night etc just to get the basics done.

Perhaps MORE people should be sticking to their hours and doing no more and then it will be more apparent to management where the gaps are.

NHS and yes I do. Maybe 80% on a bad day. I don't feel there's an option not too - in terms of patient outcomes and my own conscience.

Yeah, I know I sound sanctimonious.

Hilarious response! I'm sure you log your time taken tea making. What a joke.

Good for you if yiu get your work done quickly. Probably means others are slow, inefficient or lazy.

What a load of rubbish. Come on, if she's efficient that's fantastic. Probably means others are dragging their heals at work.

Absolutely the same with me. With near enough salaries. Which is why I’m so upset about my declined pay rise :( yet our company wins awards for “employer of the year” in our industry awards!!

It’s a joke and incredibly insulting

I WFH. I’m contracted to 7.5 hours a day. I do 8.5-9 hours a day, and only take 20 mins ish for lunch.

But I love my job, my colleagues are equally as hard working, my work is massively appreciated and my boss is great, as is my company. Great benefits. So no, I don’t take the piss. The person before me who did was fired, so it does get noticed!

@nearlymrs wondering if we work for the same company 😂