NWR: What would you do? Can't handle my job much longer...

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NWR: What would you do? Can't handle my job much longer...

posted 2 years ago in Career

Member

162 posts

Blushing bee

torybrian August 14, 2010 Livermore

I work in customer support / project management for a startup company in the SF Bay Area. My co-workers are awesome, I have a short commute, and I make decent money. The problem is that the company leadership/management/communication is absolutely terrible. Our CEO has major temper/anger issues. Our Chief Technology Officer is very old fashioned and stubborn, and as a result our product is outdated, bug-ridden, and really just not all that user friendly. In addition, we're expected to work craaaazy hours. We all work more than 50 hours/week, and we're salaried, so no OT. Some of my teammates work 60-70; I've been able to keep it to 50-55 so far, but our workload is picking up pretty quickly so that won't last long. I've gotten to a point where I just can't handle the stress or workload much longer.

I've talked to my manager, who works 14-16 hours/day on average himself, and while he's completely understanding he's not really able to do anything due to office politics. I asked him for comp time for any time worked in excess of 50 hours/week, and he politely said no (that it's not in his control, but that he already has addressed with the CEO and that he didn't approve.)

I found out yesterday (by contacting the department of labor after getting a "no" on comp time) that we should technically be hourly employees, and that the company is probably in major violation by having us designated as exempt. I have the option to file a claim with the department of labor and potentially get past OT and future OT for anything beyond 40 hours, but I really don't want to go down that route.

I have four months until our wedding. My FI has a good, stable job, and is willing to support me in my employment decisions. I have thought about leaving the position, and looking for something that is a better fit. I'd actually like to go back to school for a masters in September 2011. Money-wise, we'd be ok on one income, but it would be tough. I don't mind making less money if it means a more positive environment. I have been applying but due to having very limited time haven't had much luck with job searching. I hate to be greedy and know that I should just be happy to have a job in this terrible economy, but I can't seem to find a way to not let this job drain the life out of me.

What would you guys do in this situation? Any older bees have a previous experience like this? Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated. :)

2 years ago

Member

206 posts

Helper bee

MissLLC August 7, 2010 Los Angeles

I would start documenting all of the violations that are happening, first. Is there a local labor lawyer you could consult for free? Then, I would wait until you have a new job lined up and do the standard two week's notice. If you expose the company like that, most likely your time remaining with them will be short! Sorry for the trouble you're having :(

2 years ago

Member

541 posts

Busy bee

xoxokristin October 30, 2010 Tokyo, Japan

Sorry to hear about your work struggles. Recently my boss implemented a meeting two hours before work where our thoughts and ideas are exchanged and implemented, but we aren't getting paid for it. Imagine being told you are going to work OT for the rest of your life every Wednesday but you aren't going to get paid for it! Me and my two fellow teachers rallied together and fought for a compromise (we stay 2 hours later rather than coming in 2 hours earlier in the morning). Since your co-workers are working the same intense hours maybe you could all talk to higher ups together? Assuming your co-workers are just as unhappy. I'm sure if your employer realizes his workers are all unhappy and on the verge of quitting, they would do something to ease the situation.

2 years ago