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Employee Tells ‘No’ To Working On Weekends Because Other Coworkers Don’t, Boss Gets Mad At Them

In today’s work world, balancing job demands with personal life can feel like carrying extra baggage we never wanted. People often try to juggle work responsibilities while still holding onto their free time and boundaries. But as work hours blur into personal time, it’s becoming harder for employees to stand up for their right to a balanced life amidst increasing employer demands.

Amid promises of work-life balance, OP secured what appeared to be an ideal job. However, the initial allure faded when their boss called after hours, blurring the boundary between work and personal time. Employing various tactics to deflect demands, OP found themselves challenged by a boss insistent on immediate availability outside regular hours. Despite attempts to explain prior commitments and propose scheduling alternatives, the boss persisted, leading OP to resume ignoring calls.

Continue scrolling down to delve into the full story.

Source: Reddit

1. OP contemplates if he is a je*k if he declined his boss’s request to work weekends when his colleagues do work on weekends.

2. OP was recruited for a salaried position with promises of excellent work-life balance and reasonable hours, emphasizing no late nights or weekend work during the interview.

3. That promise was quickly proven false. OP’s boss obtained his personal phone number from his resume and began contacting him on nights and weekends, pressuring OP to work.

4. Consistently, OP avoided answering, and when questioned, OP would feign innocence, presenting his work phone as his primary device.

5. OP often leave his personal phone at home, resulting in missed calls and a full voicemail. OP suggested using his work phone for urgent matters, emphasizing his prompt response on that device.

6. When asked about contact outside regular hours, OP proposed using meeting requests for weekend calls, ensuring availability.

7. Boss expressed that last-minute issues arise, and weekend calls aren’t scheduled meetings but requests to come in. Thus, OP’s proposed method didn’t suit his needs.

8. OP explained that his weekends are typically booked weeks in advance, and it’s difficult to cancel plans with short notice. Suggesting scheduling requests three weeks ahead would ensure OP can accommodate work commitments.

9. He insisted scheduling in advance wasn’t feasible. OP agreed to answer calls if he heard them but clarified he might not always be available by phone.

10. OP’s coworkers are upset, claiming weekend work is expected. OP reminded them he accepted the job based on promised regular hours and pay.

11. The coworkers voiced frustration, stating work wouldn’t be completed if everyone followed his lead. OP retorted, suggesting that perhaps sacrificing family time wasn’t worth it for the sake of productivity.

12. Are his actions wrong for refusing to work outside regular hours when his coworkers feel pressured to do so?

Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. 

13. Considering the conflict at work, it might be wise to explore other job opportunities.

14. If work isn’t getting done during regular hours, it’s not your responsibility to pick up the slack. Your commitment to your job during regular hours should be respected.

15. Everyone deserves their time off, as life isn’t solely about work!!

16. Stick to the hours you’re contracted to work…….your coworkers’ boundary issues are their responsibility.

17. Your job security might be at risk if you continue to refuse weekend work.

18. A Redditor suggested OP challenge his boss to switch his pay structure to hourly with overtime and see how quickly the boss changes his tune about weekend work.

19. Schedule your phone to activate “Do not disturb” mode during weekends to block your boss’s calls.

20. Don’t expect a raise or promotion if you continue down this path.

OP’s pursuit of equilibrium resonates with many grappling with the relentless pressures of their professions. Redditors advocate for OP to consider alternative avenues, recognizing the value of reclaiming personal time in the face of escalating work demands. Balancing personal fulfilment with professional aspirations is a universal struggle, prompting reflection on the broader implications of prioritizing work over life’s other facets. What are your thoughts on this narrative? Share your insights in the comments below.

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