I have worked for a small company for 5.5 yrs, technically freelance though that is just my boss getting around the costs of contracts, tbh it works for me so no issue there but there is no HR dept or procedures so no guidelines for this query. Not in UK (though boss and other related companies are).
I have always worked 2 weeks at xmas and been paid accordingly. This year I asked to be paid the full month as the UK staff are even though they stop work 21st dec - 2nd jan. Boss agreed and I therefore expected to work until 21st dec too. However since about October I have taken on distance managing of a new overseas company and am overseeing all work for that office. This has meant a lot more work in a normally quiet time for me and I offered to work split hours, some a.m., some p.m. from home. This is not ideal for me but really necessary given the other office is in another time zone. As my normal work where I am located has been nil all of my work is currently for the overseas office so no pay increase for extra duties as apart from the adjustment of hours I am not doing more work, iyswim.
Anyway. The fact is that the overseas company is in high season and it seems likely there will be continuing work over the xmas period. I have emailed boss to request he confirms my finish date because otherwise I know I will be permanently hooked to my email/blackberry throughout the holidays.
I fully expect him to come back and say that I might need to work ´as required´through the holidays. I am really reluctant to just continue being on call as and when, I do this almost all year. Any holidays are approved "as long as my blackberry is on" and I am tired. All of this has come to a head after speaking to boss who was very dismissive of my work related queries as today was his ´last day before xmas´ as he´s going away though (so generous) will be available for me whenever i need it.
I feel utterly fucked off that I am expected to be available 24/7 yet when he goes away its all about how stressed he is and how much he needs to just switch off the phone and be out of touch.
Sorry this is long, trying to give a clear picture of the situation. Bottom line is, wwyd with regards to being less of a doormat/eager to please and saying "look, after x date I am not available". I do tend to step up and do what is needed but am starting to feel like a bit of an idiot.
Any advice? I love my job and have a great relationship with my boss though can be a bit timid about laying it on the line and saying I´m not happy.