Feel like employer doesn’t have any boundaries and that I don’t get paid enough for this!

[Hopeandwonder]

Here’s the situation

Currently being paid NMW for a company I’ve been at for around 2 years. They’re a nice bunch… about 7 of us total. I feel like a lot is being expected of me despite being on minimum wage. The reason I took this job on is because despite the lower wage it gives me flexibility around my children, more so than any other jobs would do.

But the issue I’m having is that I feel a bit like they contact me on my non working days, most of the time non urgent questions or comments. I would understand if it is something only I was dealing with that I told no colleagues about so they HAD to ask me - but it’s usually not that.

Another thing is covering colleagues who earn more than me when they are away occasionally, or answering phone calls / customer messages before my shift.

I have addressed my concerns to my line manager and things died down for a little while but now back to square one. I don’t want to fall out with them but I’m also thinking… I’m on minimum wage… stop texting me on Thursday and Fridays when I don’t work!

The only way to get the message across is to not answer on a Thursday and Friday when you are not paid to be there. Have you asked for a pay rise?

So stop doing it. Set boundaries. Don't answer your phone or emails on days off. Simple.

I have had similar experiences working for low wage and having to do more than I needed for small companies. Unfortunately, they will always ask more of you. You need to stop replying in your days off, start replying after hours and say you were out for the day. They will start learning you’re not always contactable. They’re showing you how much they don’t value you by expecting you to work above your pay grade. They may be lovely to work for but don’t confuse that with them taking you for granted.

Just don't respond to texts on your day(s) off.

Set your own boundaries and ignore the contact

I think it is you who needs the boundaries. If you work extra then it becomes expected. Stop doing this or ask for extra pay. Stop picking up on your day off.

I agree, definitely don't respond or see if it is possible to set an auto-response that says "my working days are X - Y and I will respond asap when back on shift"..

Out of office reply on emails as a PP has suggested. Do not reply or even read the emails on your day off.

On your phone set incoming work numbers to silent. If you get any pushback on why you didn’t answer phone just say you didn’t see the messages until it was too late.

If you are doing work outside your hours and your on minimum wage then technically they are under paying you and not actually paying minimum wage.

Your employer sets their boundaries to suit them. That seems to include the contact on days off and the rest of it.

It is your responsibility to set yours and then maintain them.

Unfortunately not all employers react well to boundary setting, especially if you've been accommodating in the past. If the OP doesn't really need the job, isn't easily replaceable and has a secure contract, then she's in a good position but if she needs the job or they could easily find someone else, it might not be that straightforward. I was let go from a low-paid job because I wasn't able to be as flexible as they wanted, despite fulfilling all the requirements of the role and being available for my contracted hours. They just wanted a full time member of staff for half time pay, and it was in a sector where there's always someone willing to be exploited.