Latest update:
After weeks of unpaid overtime, a worker says a late-night request from his manager prompted him to make a decision he never expected to make.
His post on Reddit sparked a workplace controversy. (representational image)
Working extra hours during a busy period is something that many employees agree to from time to time. But one worker says things went even further when those extra hours gradually became expected without any additional pay.
The employee shared his experience on Reddit, saying he finally decided to quit after his manager repeatedly expected him to work after hours, even when he had personal commitments.
He says the extra work never stopped
The Reddit post was titled “I hate my boss.” The employee explained that his usual working hours were from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. During a busy season, his manager asked him to stay an extra hour every day, and he agreed.
“My working time is from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Since it was a busy season, my boss asked me to extend my shift by an additional hour, and I agreed like an idiot. So, last week, I left the office at 8:00 PM every day,” he wrote.
According to the employee, the situation became worse when he had to leave early one evening due to an emergency. He told his manager he needed to leave at 7:30 p.m., but said she did not return his messages or calls.
“She was not checking my messages on Teams and when I contacted her on WhatsApp, she still did not respond. Please note that it was already 7:45 pm,” he wrote.
He says work followed him home
The employee said that after he left the office at 8:00 p.m., his manager sent him a message asking him to submit some pending documents the same night. He replied that he would finish work on Monday, but claimed that his manager asked him to send the documents on Saturday morning instead.
“I told her I don’t have my laptop with me. I don’t know why she’s calling me. I just put my phone on airplane mode. I don’t know what to do about it. I’m thinking I’m going to lose my job. They expect me to work like a robot without giving me any free time,” he wrote.
He also added: “Note: I will not be paid for the extra hours I worked.” Later, the employee updated the post with a short message that read, “Edit: Guys, I resigned.”
Reddit users support the employee
Many Reddit users supported the employee and said that unpaid overtime should never become a normal part of the job.
“Never agree to unpaid overtime, because it becomes an expectation, not a service,” one user wrote. Another commented: “You did the right thing by quitting if they are treating your time like it’s worthless.”
“The real problem is that managers who ignore messages during emergencies but expect to work nights are the real problem,” one person said. Another added: “No job is worth losing your peace for, especially when they don’t even pay for overtime.”
About the author
The team of writers at News18.com bring you stories about what’s buzzing on the internet while exploring science, cricket, technology, sex, Bollywood and culture.
Read more
