Working 9-6

[DogLove3]

Is this normal nowadays? I’m 24, and only graduated last summer. I currently work in a 8:30-5 role, 4 days remote and 1 day from the office. I’ve been recruited for an amazing opportunity in an industry that I’ve always wanted to work in, however it’s 9-6, with over an hour commute on either side, 3 days in the office. Do you think it’s advisable to stick it out for 6 months and then look for something with a better work-life balance? Or will future employers wonder why I’m yo-yo-ing between jobs so quickly?

I'm job hunting and a lot of roles are 8.30 - 5.30pm, 9-6pm and 8-6pm

I haven't seen a 9-5pm role for ages!! Or a 9-5:30pm role.

I don't know why

I'd be miserable doing 9-6 with an hour commute each side.

We are 8-4 or 9-5.

Whats the industry?

Yes it’s normal and it’s shit- if there’s no wfh element to that I wouldn’t do it - you have no evening’

9-6 isn’t typical in my experience, I work 9.30-6 and DH works 9-5.30.

I’ve had 5 “corporate” office jobs in London since I graduated about 10 years ago and they were -
8.30 - 5.30
9 - 5 (charity)
9 - 6
9 - 5.30
9 - 6

Now I find 9-6 fine but I remember at the start that extra half hour absolutely killed me! It’s so tricky because it’s quite awkward to ask about during an interview without looking work shy but that extra 30 minutes a day is huge over a year!

My DD is going 8.30 - 5.30 but has a really easy commute.

I was shocked when she started as the hours seem long to me.

I think the WFH element helps in OPs instance.

But we don't really have WFH jobs here.

It's a pain in the ass because wraparound care is 8.15-5pm

Week 1 6am - 1.30pm
Week 2 1.30pm -10pm Mon - Weds
1.30pm - 8 pm Thurs
1.30pm - 7 pm Friday

37.5 hours a week.

@Unhappyleprechaun It’s in journalism/reporting. I’m just happy to have got a job in an industry that I’m passionate about. But I know I’m going to be knackered after those 3 days in the office. It’s an 1 hour 15 mins commute each way.

To me it is, as a nanny I used to work 8-6 with a commute either side. I work 3x12 hour days currently to have Mondays and Wednesdays off with my son.

9-5 is a bit of alien concept to be to be honest.

Forgot to add my commute is 10 minutes each way.

Sounds pretty normal-unfortunately. I’m 31 and I don’t think I’ve ever only worked my paid hours. Used to travel a lot with 12 hour days, thank god Covid stopped that!

I also graduated in the aftermath of the crash so will never shake the mindset of being ever-grateful to have a job

I just want a 9-5 with a half hour commute 😅 Is that too much to ask?! 😂 I am also grateful to have a job though, having been raised in the financial crash era and overhearing all my parents’ money worries

Every job i've ever had apart from one has been 9-6. It's shit and by the time you get home there's not much time to do anything. One job i had was 9-6:30. I only lasted a few months and ended up quitting. When i finally got a job that was 9-5, the boss changed my hours to 8-4 and getting into the office for 8 was a killer, although leaving at 4 was amazing.
9-5 jobs seem to be like gold dust these days.

@EternalSunshine19 Yeah, I should probably just count myself lucky and stop complaining tbh!

What a way to make a living.

i work 9-6 and commute over an hour and a half each way. girls gotta go what a girls gotta do for the ££££

oh and im in the office 5 x a week

My first “proper” job in 2006 in London was 8-6! There was no work from home back then. I had about a 40 min tube journey each way and soon got used to it. At that point in my life it was fine and didn’t bother me at all, loads of other young people worked there so it was really fun and we lived the London life basically, our evenings often consisted of drinks/dinner near the office. Totally depends on your circumstances and colleagues though.

I currently work 9-6 Monday to Friday, but I'm fully remote with the occasional travel (usually twice a month at most). Works out to be 40 hours a week as I get 1 hour for lunch. I wouldn't work these hours if I had to commute on top.

I was only contracted to 35 hours at my last job but I was in the office 3 days a week and had to commute 50 minutes each way, so there really wasn't much difference. The only thing I miss is an early finish at 4 on a Friday.

I've been made redundant and cant even find a job so 9-6 would be grand 😂

If that’s the industry you’re talking about, I’d also be a bit suspicious that it will be 9-6 with expectation that you’ll work lots of time over/leaving on time will be frowned upon.

Sorry OP, you’re in the wrong job if you want 9-5 ime.

(pay’s shit too)

Is it actually 9-6 or is there expectation of staying late? How would this work with your commute? If it is a stepping stone into the career path you want then it might be worth doing it for a while but only if it work's logistically and financially.

24 and no kids? Go for it, now is the time you have the time and energy to throw at your career if you're that way inclined, hopefully it'll help you progress into a more reasonably timed slot next time, doesn't have to be forever!