I accepted a position two months ago, and I was told the schedule would be 4 10 hour days.

Stephanie

October 9,2022 at 6:52PM UTC

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I accepted a position two months ago, and I was told the schedule would be 4 10 hour days. This was a huge benefit for me, and it completely swayed me into leaving my 60 hour a week job (same pay-salary). Although my team hasn’t actually started working in our eventual positions (it’s a startup), our neighboring team has. This team was actually promised the same schedule, but they have consistently been asked to work a 5th day and sometimes a 6th.

I want to be known as a team player, yet I also want the schedule I was promised. It is actually an overnight schedule, so that was my personal sacrifice to work 4 days. What should I do if I am constantly required to work extra days?

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AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 7:01PM UTC
Take it to HR and your manager and remind them that you agreed and accepted the position with the 4/10 schedule and that you need to work that promised schedule.
Crystal HowellOctober 9,2022 at 7:25PM UTC
Remind the recruiter what you both agreed on. check what you signed,was it different?
AnonymousOctober 9,2022 at 8:15PM UTC
Was it stated in your offer letter or contract the anticipated hours and days you should work because I haven’t been in recruiter for many many years typically we would put down who you report to and what the hours were check it to see because there’s your proof good luck
AnonymousOctober 11,2022 at 1:38PM UTC
You are being a team player in reminding a company what you signed off on. You are just not being a company player and that's wholly ok because that company does not have your back.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 12:26PM UTC
Are you hourly or salaried? Did they say that was schedule but would need to have flexibility? It is a very slippery slope. However, as others have mentioned, start by reaching out to your HR team and politely revisit your offer agreement and agreed schedule. However, you also may want to dust the resume off and start working on an exit strategy just in case. Start up environments say best intent but are often unable to keep the commitment and consistently scope creep.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 12:38PM UTC
Agreements made at employment negotiations are agreements.. The company has no right to stray from the agreed parameters without agreement from all no more than you can stray from them, such as only work 3 days. Think they would keep you if you did? Nope. Same thing.. make a decision if they insist on over 4 tens.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 12:36PM UTC
I'm in the same boat in a way, I was brought on to a new company almost 2 months ago, nowhere during 3 different interviews did anyone bring up work hours or schedule (and I didn't either, I had never thought it was a thing - lesson learned). They knew as it was discussed I was in NY but I've been remote for 6+ years and never had any issues with working 8-5 in my time zone, even with HQ or my team being in a different time zone. During the final interview (4th) with my supervisor (or who would be) she said she would be working ET and I agreed saying I preferred to work in my timezone as well. That was the only conversation brought up about schedule and then I got the offer. Yesterday we were talking about the workload and its tough being 3 hours ahead of the PMs, etc. My boss (and then HR got involved) said 'why don't you work a little later' I said I have family stuff and am not really sure that works for my family, then I get the 'well this is the trade off of working remote' and 'you need to be flexible with what the company needs' so now all the sudden being remote means I am at the mercy of what this company wants and needs.. My offer letter says nothing about work schedule but it does clearly say I work remotely from NY so I went right back to HR and said if there were time zone requirements that should have been discussed and should have been documented. I would never have considered a job that required hours well into 8pm my local time and I am not considering that now. I don't know if it will make a difference, this company has changed my role every time the wind blows in the last 30ish days so honestly this is just the icing on the cake but all you can do is set boundaries and try to stick to them. Best of luck!
NepetaOctober 14,2022 at 6:37PM UTC
>>this company has changed my role every time the wind blows in the last 30ish days<<
Big red flag right there. Lace up your walking shoes and be ready to head for the door.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 1:03PM UTC
As a start up I automatically assume that hours will be long, responsibilities many and probably not what is promised. There is just too much to do and if it’s a successful startup, growth can be exponential meaning they are always playing catch up on hiring, you often wear many hats because of that and are expected to give 200% for the good of the business. Now if you were promised equity or stock, it may be worthwhile. Having said that, your expectations seem to be for a set schedule and nothing else, this is probably the polar opposite of what you will be expected to do. Save yourself the stress and heartache, dust your resume off and start looking again because you will just get resentful at the hours and responsibilities being asked of you.
JMOctober 14,2022 at 3:08PM UTC
They have every right to expect the schedule that was offered though.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 8:18PM UTC
Sure she does, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to get it right now.
If she hangs in there maybe in a couple years. Startups almost never have set schedules like that, and if you adhere to it and others are ‘team players’ and stay late, resentment and distrust grows against you and before you know it you are looking for a job due to the toxic environment. She’s got valid fears if she doesn’t want to do that kind of schedule, not everyone can devote their time like that. But as I pointed out, if she doesn’t want to, the writing is on the wall since she can see it in the other team, she probably needs to start looking for a different job that’s not a start up and has some stability and a documented history of regular hours.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 1:28PM UTC
You can’t state your concerns but know it probably does not change anything. Even if agreed upon it is not a business where there are “shifts”. The schedule can vary is the business needs vary, it’s your decision if you want to stay on board. But I would not expect a huge change.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 1:30PM UTC
This sounds like a bait and switch during the interview process, which I have personal experience with. I am a communications professional with 20+ years experience, and I accepted a role in a major brand retail organization, but based out of my area store. I was told there would be minor store management duties but on the first day they had me in the parking lot collecting shopping carts. I'm also expected to fill in on the cash registers. Needless to say that was not disclosed. Only you know what you can tolerate and what is a deal breaker. Hopefully knowing you are not the only this has happened to helps! Good luck whatever you decide!
Adrienne LeightonOctober 14,2022 at 1:39PM UTC
I wouldn't expect a 4x10 at a startup. It's often times "all hands on deck". If the neighboring team isn't realizing that work schedule, it's likely that you won't either. If you stay, I would suggest you revisit your compensation. If it's not going to work for you, I would suggest you plan an exit strategy.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 3:06PM UTC
I do think the employers need to take some ownership of this sort of thing. Startup or not, they are playing around with people's livlihoods and lives. Employers, and yes, even startups, should - if they have any kind of soul - understand this. Don't manipulate people. If you can't follow through on your offer, don't make it.
Donna LaPointeOctober 14,2022 at 3:12PM UTC
Yes and if there are spouse and children involved it makes it even harder. Many people work nights to offset day care costs.
Adrienne LeightonOctober 14,2022 at 6:05PM UTC
I agree with you. But Stephanie can't control what they do. She can only control what she does in response.
AnonymousOctober 20,2022 at 1:39PM UTC
If it is anything like my workplace and boss, she does not give one damn about you, your family nor your issues.. STILL forcing mandatory 6 days almost 3 years in. I am sorry but your lack of staff and overpromising what can possibly be made with the equipment and resources you have is not an issue that should be forced on the hourly. Total mismanagement. But that's what happens when you put family in leadership roles with zero experience.
Karen GOctober 14,2022 at 2:00PM UTC
I feel for you, I am in a similar situation. I was hired as an outside sales territory manager (12 yrs. experience.) I am now sitting in a showroom waiting on retail customers and not building a pipeline with industry clients nor making commission. I have spoken up more than a few times and I am basically told it will come (going in the field) and you really do not need to go to the industry firm's offices. I believe I was told one thing to get me in because of my experience. I now do not feel obligated to stay, so I am looking for a new position. Sometimes you really just have to make a decision that is best for yourself, I believe.
AnonymousOctober 20,2022 at 1:36PM UTC
HA, the "it will come" trash.. pure workplace rhetoric. I was "promised" things 12 years ago. Move on and don't look back.
Karen GOctober 21,2022 at 2:40AM UTC
Thanks, that is exactly what I am working on.....
Emily TurnerOctober 20,2022 at 3:16PM UTC
Yes, start looking.
The hiring world is a sales persons oyster right now.
I worked for a company that required their commissioned sales people to work out of their showrooms 5 days a week.
The leadership preached about how easy it was to build a client book of business and sell out of a showroom. But it wasn't and the leadership didn't have any experience doing this type of work themselves.
Needless to say, not many people hit their monthly sales goals. They were also lambasted for not "getting out in the local community" to drive business. Huh?
The company had a marketing team but they didn't focus on local marketing to drive business. Instead, the CMO kept launching national campaigns that didn't appeal to the target customer and they didn't drive new business. It was so weird.
When you are interviewing this go round, take the time to see who is running the company - the C-Suite, the Directors, the middle management people.
Questions you need to have answered:
-What previous experience do they have?
-How long have they been in management roles?
-Have they themselves worked in roles that related to the industry they are working in?
-Were they successful at other companies?
-What results did they drive?
-Are these managers keeping a pulse on how the industry and sales needs to adapt in a post-COVID, recession world?
-How have they adapted?
-If they don't, do you want to be taking cues from someone who doesn't understand what you are doing?
Karen GOctober 21,2022 at 2:39AM UTC
Thank you for the advice and questions to ask in the future. I was telling a friend exactly what you said about not hitting sales goals and the questions being asked by management in a few months. Not to mention I will not make much commission sitting in a showroom that not many design firms in my territory even know is there, much less come in and visit. I am definitely on the hunt for a new position.
EMILY KIKUE FRANKOctober 14,2022 at 2:19PM UTC
Is the 4-day workweek in the paperwork you signed? If so, you can point out that it was a condition of your acceptance. If not, I fear you may be out of luck.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 2:42PM UTC
It is a start up, that alone should give you insight into the mindset and expectations of the company and work culture. Start ups are notorious for long work hours and potentially toxic work environment. Not all, but most have been found to follow this path.
A start up is trying to grow their business and brand they want someone who dedicates a lot of time and effort into achieving that. An established company would give you more leeway as they have a consumer base and capital to do so.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 3:02PM UTC
Be that as it may, they shouldn't be promising things they aren't prepared to deliver.
People leave jobs to come work for them and have lives that they are planning around and for. Start-Up or not, live up to your promises or else stop luring people to your company under false pretenses.
NepetaOctober 14,2022 at 6:31PM UTC
Yes. I'm tired of start-ups getting a pass -- as if they're children without the same responsibilities as adults, so we should just humor them until they grow into their fully formed selves. If they're not ready to meet the obligations of running a business professionally, they should not be hiring people.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 10:15PM UTC
I love that analogy. :)
AnonymousOctober 15,2022 at 10:37PM UTC
That is true, I was just pointing out the mindset differences between a start up and established company.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 3:01PM UTC
Depending on your financial situation, it might not hurt to start interviewing if you think they will renege on their agreement. If it's in the contract, you can always tell them that that is all you can work and/or sue them for breach of contract. It's best for both the employee and company to be a little flexible but also be willing to set boundaries. An occasional extra day is probably ok but especially if it happens regularly, it should at a minimum be compensated with an additional vacation day.
Diane ReidOctober 14,2022 at 3:22PM UTC
I wouldn’t assume you will be required to work a schedule that’s different from what you were told unless it happens. If it does happen, speak with your manager and clarify how long it will last. As that you are given a specific timeframe. Once you have all of the information you can make the best decision for yourself.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 4:02PM UTC
I am always confused by ‘what if’ cases. Don’t buy trouble. Negative thoughts buys you a bad attitude that will be seen by others and then you will wonder why no one wants to work with you or talk to you etc… also - did you ask in the interview about ‘will it just always be 4 ten hour shifts period ? I want to leave at 7am sharp or else…’ I bet if they wanted to cut you back to 3 ten hour shifts you would still complain. Loyalty and dedication with a positive outlook can help you and a company succeed- try it in the short term. If it does not work - update your resume with everything you have learned and start to Sam better questions next job hunt. The grass is never greener on the other side. My job is 3 twelve hour shifts as a nurse but I can guarantee you that I reap the rewards from my patients and my coworker- and my soul - when I serve longer to improve the health and outcomes of those who are sick and need care. I focus on the positive
D BOctober 20,2022 at 1:34PM UTC
" I bet if they wanted to cut you back to 3 ten hour shifts you would still complain"... seriously? quite the leap there considering you obviously cannot know this person... You sound like pure management material.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 4:11PM UTC
When you work for corporations, that’s the name of the game. Money for your life…
Rebecca A BrittOctober 14,2022 at 7:16PM UTC
While I wouldn't make up stories that haven't happened yet (I do it all the time), you could consider a risk/reward chart for the role.
How much are you willing to sacrifice/compromise for a startup and for how long.
If you are firm on your schedule, and they break it, look for a new role. If you're willing to compromise, be ready with suggestions. "I can work a 12-hour shift today and tomorrow but can't work a 5th day."
or "I'm willing to do a 5th day once a month but not beyond that."
Also, if you're a salaried worker, be extra cautious. They are essentially getting you at a huge discount.
You can be a team player and assertive. And if it doesn't work, walk.
AnonymousOctober 14,2022 at 8:03PM UTC
If you have never worked overnight, and you can ask your former employer for your job back, this would be what I would do in your shoes. Night shift work can be pretty isolating.