My work hours are 8am – 4pm.

My work hours are 8am – 4pm. We are fortunate enough to have great bosses who look after us and pay well, and we are never required to do over time.

My two bosses come into the office at different hours every day, depending on client meetings and other circumstances. Their starting times can range anywhere from 9:30am to 3:30pm.

My bosses have this habit of calling me into their offices anywhere from 3:30pm onwards to discuss work or documents. Now I don’t usually mind this, however I’m currently pregnant so the afternoon slump is real! Because of this I tend to tackle my large projects in the morning when I’m feeling fresh and save my less important tasks for after lunch.

Every day when I leave at my scheduled time of 4:00pm, I am literally walking out with my handbag, lunch bag, keys in my hand and my bosses either want to have a 15-minute conversation with me, or ask me work related questions.

Yesterday my boss came in at 3:30pm so half an hour before I was due to finish. It was just after 4:00pm when I was leaving and I said goodbye to him as I walked past his office. He called me back and decided to ask me work related questions. He does stuff like this regularly; he will also often say ‘that project you’re working on for Mr & Mrs Jones I’ve looked into it and etc…’

This really irritates me because it happens so often. I’m here for the preceding 8 hours and he wants to stop me from leaving at my scheduled finish time to have a conversation about work? Why could he not do that an hour earlier? If it is so important, send me an email or phone me and I can look into it.

By 4:00pm every day my computer is switched off and I’m mentally signed out for the day.

I’ve noticed when the other girls leave, they just say ‘’goodbye’ and walk past his office without making eye contact and giving him a chance to ask them anything. In their defense though, they have children and will be late for school pick up if they stay back beyond their scheduled finish times.

Any advice on how to handle this?

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79 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Hmn. I think you just have to say something. A nice, normal, pleasant conversation about the issue and what you can do to help solve it (which puts a nice spin on it, it's not your fault). Could we plan a meeting no later than 3 pm on days you need updates from me? that kind of thing. good luck. ps: The other idea would be to 'manage up'--make sure to email your boss with updates before they're asked for. However I think that's an idea you can float with them during a talk and it might be overkill.

  2. Anonymous

    I would be honest and offer an new time to meet when you are focused and the meeting can be productive. Those afternoon slumps are hard!

  3. Tomilyn Richards

    I would approach it just as you said earlier... I am my best in the morning and want to make sure I am mentally ready to review work with you. Can we schedule a check in every other day in the morning to review Projects? Or find a way to make regular updates visible using cloud based tools... that you both share. I think there are ways around this... and honestly, that may be your bosses best time of the day to gather progress... so you might need to simply find common ground!

  4. Meredith

    You need to speak up! A scheduled check-in would probably be the most efficient, but even if you just check in with them the minute they arerive and give them a time warning about your departure...hey, i know you just arrived but I will be leaving in 30minutes, so if there is anything you would like to review before I go can we cover it now?

  5. Anonymous

    Could you do what the others do, even though you don't have kids? If asked, just say you have an appointment...

  6. Aubrey Armes

    Time to uphold your boundaries! Ask if you can have a conversation about how to work best together. Affirm you want to do a good job, and there have been some things that are getting in the way of you doing your best work lately. (because keep getting annoyed at your boss is going to start having a big impact)

    Remind them that your agreed to work hours are from 8-4 and that lately, they have been keeping you in conversations past 4. Ask if there is a different way that you can communicate with each other that honors your 4pm ending time? Perhaps they could call you on the way back to the office from a client meeting? Or they could leave a voice recording that you can listen to in the morning when you are fresh? Just some ideas.

  7. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Is there something that's stopping you from saying ‘’goodbye’ and walking past his office without making eye contact??

  8. Anonymous

    Congrats on the pregnancy :)

    Maybe a better approach to this is to schedule daily chat at 3:00 or 3:30, fill him in and convey assurances that he is informed enough to guarantee the delivery to the client even if you needed to take time off.

    And see if this enhances the situation.
    If it didn't work, just have a direct conversation about your equal commitment to your personal life as to your projects.

  9. Lynne

    A few things. First of all, from the context of what you’re saying this was going on even before you were pregnant. If it started when you became pregnant this takes a different direction. How much time per week do you think this is amounting to? You say that you were being paid well so I’m guessing you were on salary but you mention overtime. Can you list this extra time as overtime? Also, you may consider a proactive stance by going into their offices well before you need to leave and saying something like “I’m going to have to start leaving on time but I want to check and make sure that you don’t need anything from me before then. “From the bosses perspective, and I’m taking this in the most positive light possible, they’re not looking at the clock, you may not know how late they stay and their inconsiderate behaviorCould just be thoughtlessness. Do their after work hours questions have substance and meaning or is it just to be bothersome? Hope you get this worked out and Congratulations on your new arrival.

  10. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    This doesn't have to be a big deal. Put your purse on your shoulder, walk by their office, say goodbye have a nice evening. If they detain you, look at your watch and say I have an appointment how about we talk first thing in the morning...

  11. Jean Neuhart

    I agree with all the previous comments to talk with your boss about this meeting earlier since you are scheduled to leave at 4:00. If that doesn't work, then take a cue from your co-workers and leave with just a goodbye and no eye contact. BTW - having children to pick up doesn't make their daily quitting time more valid. Your scheduled finish time is just as valid, regardless of whether or not children are involved, you have an appointment, or have absolutely nothing to do.

  12. Anonymous

    I’d find another exit where I don’t pass their office. Why do you have to say goodbye ?

  13. Anonymous

    ??? this is a dope and funny comment.

  14. Kate

    This is really funny, like an episode of The Office.

  15. Martha Looney

    Seems like you have a SWEET Gig. How late are they keeping you? How long is your lunch break? Is it really a 7 hoyr work day? What would you be doing without this great pay and schedule? I'd be thankful and balance out the staying a few late with the I can't today etc

  16. Anonymous

    Take a cue from your other co workers. Do what they do. Otherwise you will be staying past 4 for the foreseeable future!

  17. Abigail

    I don't agree with others who say you should be grateful for this great gig. It sounds like you're a good worker and once you're time is up, you have the right to leave. It's true that when we are salaried we stay until the work is done but what is happening here is your boss is not planning ahead so when it's convenient for him, he expects you to meet. He's not considering you. In my opinion, I would set boundaries and be firm but be polite and professional. I would not stress that he's overstepping boundaries but rather figure out a way to make a plan that works. I would ask to meet with him and say that you've noticed he likes to connect just as you're leaving. Since you're heading out and have other things to do, you would like to get on top of things in advance while you're in the office. Could he send you a list of things to prepare during the day? If he's not organized, which sounds like the case, (but don't say that) could he put together an email while he's working late afternoon/evenings for you to work on first thing in the morning? He's not thinking ahead and expects you to adjust to his schedule and he's the boss so he can get away with it but you have every right to set boundaries and protect yourself. I wouldn't stress that he's wrong and focus on your work hours because that seems like you're just punching in, but I would stress that you would like to accommodate him and be able to walk out the door at 4 so can you set up a system that is mutually agreeable? He might just need you to be direct and help set up a plan to make it work. It sounds like he's disorganized and oblivious but not necessarily mean spirited.

  18. surfnwrite

    Maybe your boss is a bit clueless on your actual working hours. How about if you said, "I notice sometimes you want to chat at the end of the day. Should we maybe change my hours to 8:30 to 4:30 to accommodate these meetings?"

  19. Felicia Tank

    Option 1- Stop by your boss's office around 3PM each day and ask if he has any questions and/or needs information about projects you're working on before you leave for the day in about an hour.
    Option 2- Don't walk past your boss's office when you are about to leave...go another route or exit another door.
    Option 3- Leave as you would normally and if he/she stops you to review work, politely ask if it can wait until the next day morning cause you have an obligation (even if you don't).

  20. Healthcare worker

    I didn’t see anyone offer this so I will suggest that when your boss first comes in at 3:00 or 3:30 pm go to their office and say hey I wanted to catch you up on what I have done with projects x y and z this morning. Give the rundown and ask if they have any questions and then peace out of the office. The issue isn’t them asking you to stay late it’s that they need the updates before you leave and you go see them as you are headed out the door. Another way to approach it is to go to them when they come in at 3-3:30 throw the run down at them, ask if there is anything quick you can do for them before you leave at 4:00 and then go do what they ask, if it can be done in a reasonable amount of time. If not just say, I’ll get done what I can before I leave and do you want me to email it to you or finish up in the morning. Simple conversation approaches these are truly simple fixes. Another commenter mentioned boundaries and I agree take a look at your ability to say no, state your needs, and not be a people pleaser.

  21. KhadijahHaleemah

    Do like they do. Say "goodbye" as you walk by and just keep on walking. Don't stop walking. By stopping, you're just INVITING the "can we talk about... project?".

    Ask him to discuss these work things a bit earlier...

  22. Anonymous

    you need to handle this exactly like your peers. you have a life too. whether it's children to pick up, an OB appointment, or a dinner guest coming. Unless this is an emergent conversation, don't buy into this. likewise, it might be wise to be proactive (since you see a pattern)--and send an email to your boss early each week and say: "If there's anything you need to speak with me about, let me know the day/time and I'll make it happen. I have limited time, these days, for lengthy discussions at the end of the work day" (or something like that). Good luck. PS: you said you've got great managers, great support and you DO have great work hours, so I wouldn't be super fussy about this.

  23. Flossy

    Train them. Go in after lunch and provide an update on projects you are working on and ask for feedback and things you can accomplish by END of the Business day. In their absence, send an email. If they come to you at 3:30 or 4p, say I would like to speak with you to get your input, can we schedule time at 8:30a? Tell them you have a commitment after worn you are going to be late and need to leave on time.

    Polite and proactive.

  24. Christy K. Hanthorn

    This is a great answer! I was thinking avoidance, while Flossy suggested being proactive. Very smart!

  25. Maggie Stone

    I agree with being polite, professional, and proactive. Particularly, if they are old school and disorganized, it is unlikely that they are going to change and accommodate you. I think Flossy’s suggestion is good, but I would probably let them know that I want to make sure we are on the same page and your needs and priorities are met, so I am communicate in the morning about the day’s task so our priorities are aligned and giving a status update in the pm. This all depends on the level of communication your bosses want to have. Most of the bosses I have had probably couldn’t be bothered,

  26. Sue Moore

    Unfortunately, what a lot of people are missing is that the boss isn't even coming in until 3:30pm, so trying to set something up before then will be difficult.

  27. Anonymous

    But if others who work for this boss can leave at 4, why can't the OP?

  28. 60isthenew40

    Didn't miss it, but the OP said anywhere from 9:30 to 3:30, so I'm assuming that doesn't mean they ONLY come in at 3:30. Were that the case, then definitely alternate arrangements (probably in her schedule) should be made to accommodate their need to have a check-in time with her.

  29. Sue Moore

    True. I think I was focusing too much on the 3:30 arrival - hopefully that's the exception and not the rule.

  30. Maggie Stone

    It sounds like you are a really diligent employee, and it seems you have tried to be accommodating and flexible. But that has set a precedent and it is time to manage up or retrain your boss. They may not be aware of your schedule or that staying past quitting time is an issue for you. Setting boundaries at this point may be tricky. I would lean towards being proactive and provide status updates and do check ins near the end of the day (i.e I am leaving at 4, so I wanted to check in and see if there is anything to discuss.). If they try and stop you on the way out, I would politely say sorry, I have already clocked out or I was on my way out, can we talk in the morning, or can this be an email? Good luck.

  31. Joanna Poe

    Try putting a 15-minute meeting with him on your schedule, and enforcing your hard-stop leave time right after?

  32. Jennifer Taylor

    The next time he does this, be honest with him. "I'm leaving for the day, can you schedule us to talk tomorrow morning?" Then, without him answering, say, "Thanks so much! See you tomorrow!" And walk away.

    I hate to say this, but some men are completely clueless and unless you hit them over the head, they don't get it.

  33. Anonymous

    I agree, Jennifer. To this supervisor, it's the beginning of the workday. It may not be clicking with him that you're beat!

  34. Anonymous

    Yeah, I had bosses like this, too. I swear that they do it on purpose to extract more work out of you - welcome to corporate America! One needs to come up with an iron-clad reason, like kids' pickup from daycare, or bus schedule, or in your case - prenatal classes or yoga, or doctor's appointment, e.g. (be creative), and stick with making a quick excuse and just walking out. They will get the message soon enough. Also, if you have a calendar that your bosses have access to, block time after 4 pm as unavailable. You can also speak up for yourself and explain what your hours and needs are and that if they want something that you haven't discussed beforehand done that very day, they would need to give it to you by, say, 1pm.

  35. Emmy Bemmy

    Is there a reason you can't change your hours to 830 - 430 so that you have more overlapping time available? You could also check in with them and say "just checking to see if you wanted to discuss anything before I leave. I will be leaving at 4pm". If you are hourly, I would start adding the time to my timecard....I think they will get the point.

  36. Wendy Lunko

    A few suggestions:
    1. Check in with him around 3:30 each day, asking if there's anything he wants to discuss before you leave.
    2. Change your work schedule to be there until 4:30.
    3. When he asks something, say, "I'm sorry, I'm headed out right now. Let's talk tomorrow morning," and ask if you can talk via phone.
    4. Unless you know they are doing nothing work-related before they arrive at the office at 3:30, stop assuming they are not working. Plenty of people work remotely or have client meetings during the day and aren't in the office at normal hours.

  37. Lindy Spencer

    A polite professional "heads up" email about your having to leave right at 4 pm due to appointments for a particular week might get the idea to him, people are not just free at any given time to chat about work. If he doesn't catch on, the next week I'd do the same email about family obligations and needing to leave right at 4. Or a more direct email about wanting to keep good communication about your projects and him informed, you need to do those meetings before 4 pm, so you can meet personal obligations

  38. Leigh Hammond-Carrillo

    Do what your co-workers are doing, or, just don't say anything at all when you leave. You say they have children they have to pick up - you very soon will as well, and honestly, it shouldn't matter who does and doesn't have kids.

  39. Anonymous

    This is certainly frustrating. Is your boss aware of your working hours? He may be oblivious. Do you have a regularly scheduled 1:1 with your boss? I wonder if reiterating your working hours and/or adding a set time either weekly or daily to touch base would help to alleviate these end-of-your working day conversations.

  40. Anonymous

    I would approach this slightly differently. I’d leave at 3:30 each day and as you’re leaving be open to conversation. Then after 20-30 min leave. And if nobody stops you then do 30 min at home. I’d leave keys in pocket and purse in car. No reason to advertise when you’re leaving vs heading to a mtg. And I do a lot of drive time discussions so if it hits 4 you could say, I need to get home but we can continue on the phone while I drive if that’s ok with you.

  41. BeaBoss979975

    Keeping your purse in the car is a great way to get it stolen.

  42. BeaBoss979975

    Talking on the phone while driving is unsafe. I doubt that a lawyer employer would be willing to take on that liability.

  43. Anonymous

    Bluetooth exists for this very reason - to safely talk on the phone while driving.

  44. K

    Do what the others do. If you're not open to walking past at 3.30 so as to pre-empt the questions, then walk past, say bye, don't make eye contact and do not slow down. Do not give an opening. It is 4pm and you are off that clock and your body language needs to reflect it else they will take advantage, because they are so wrapped up in their own time zone and priorities they probably don't even remember you finish at 4. Also because you have allowed this to happen for so long, you have reinforced the perception that asking you questions at 4pm is perfectly ok. Now, if you feel awkward about it, deliberately schedule a dentist appointment or something at like 4.30. Then as you walk past at one minute to 4 leaving, you can honestly say 'sorry, I have an appointment I need to get to, I booked it after I finish at 4'. That will set the tone for your no-eye contact 'I leave at 4' body language thereafter.

  45. K

    Honest confession- I scheduled my 121 with my irritating boss at 3.30 each week so I can leave at 4 but have learned, she doesn't care I leave at 4. She will keep on and on even after I'm sitting there openly looking at my watch and making attempts to shut the conversation down. So what I end up doing is saying, that was 15 minutes of my time that was taken, I will add that to my lunch break tomorrow. Or I come in 15 minutes later and if they say anything I say oh I was downstairs doing the post, we've had a lot of mail today. If you can't beat it, make sure you do the accounting afterward cos you are never going to get that time back else.

  46. Anonymous

    Tell them just this exactly. Tell them you would love to answer the questions, but you have just worked a full busy day and that you are not feeling well. Let them know you are pregnant.
    Ask them to write their questions in an email to you and you respond the next day. The other option is for you to send an end of day summery, with their anticipated questions. Lastly, ask them if you need to start your day later, to match their hours more. They may not even be aware.

  47. Jennifer Deby

    No need to remind that she is pregnant. Her workday is over, pregnant or not.

  48. Mary Kerdasha

    Well you are about to be in the same situation as your colleagues who leave at the scheduled time because of childcare. You might want to let your bosses know and mention due to medical appointments, needing to eat, etc. you will need to start leaving at 4 which is your scheduled time. I would offer to do an end of day summary for them, or a call on the drive home, or respond to them the next day. I am sure they are just used to you being available and have not considered the conversation makes you leave late.

  49. BeaBoss979975

    Talking on the phone while driving is unsafe. I don't think lawyers would like to take on that liability.

  50. Anonymous

    I STRONGLY disagree with the comments that say to change your hours. Then the 4:00 conversation becomes a 4:30 conversation and the pattern will continue. I also disagree with sending a recap email or whatever everyday - that invites micromanagement.

    If they’re coming in at 3:30, give them a breather go in at like 3:35 and let them know you’re getting ready to leave ask if there’s anything pressing they need to be briefed on.

    By 3:55 if he’s still talking - end the conversation. “I have to run, but I’ll get that to you tomorrow by xx a.m.” or “this is a really interesting point, I need to think on it a bit and get back to you tomorrow.” Whatever it is cut it off but give a solid time he can expect to hear from you.

    Be firm, honest, and don’t rely on doctor appointment or feeling sick excuses. It is your time., we don’t have to make excuses for wanting a proper schedule and/or work life balance.

  51. Wendy Lunko

    I would schedule the time so they are aware of it and can adjust schedules accordingly.

  52. Lynn Serra

    I am a boss to 15 people. In the back of my mind I know when my workers have to leave. If I need something I go to them about an hour before and have the conversation starting with......I know you are leaving soon, we can talk about it in the morning, please just put it on your radar. Don't make excuses for why you have to leave. You leave at 4pm. That's the end of your day. I do like the idea of going in at 3:30pm and saying "Hey, I am leaving soon, do you need me to put something at the top of my list for tomorrow? " Then, when they start talking and it approaches the time, look at your watch and say. OK I have to leave....see you in the morning". That's professional and ends the conversation.

  53. Liz Milne

    This is a good boss, right here ^^^ :)

  54. Danielle

    Lynn, I agree with Liz! You are a good boss. Wish more individuals such as yourself were in higher organizational roles. Bravo!

  55. Nirupama Raghavan

    Can you proactively schedule a daily 1 on 1 at 2:30 PM or 3 PM so that you ave a fixed time well before you leave to get their feedback and input?

    Does staying late to address questions push you into overtime? If so, is there a way to quantify how much this is costing the company? That may or may not be enough to change behavior...

    Is this really a passive aggressive way of saying he doesn't approve of your schedule? If so, you need to address it or his resentment could affect you in other ways.

  56. Anonymous

    Document the times you leave past 4 to use as comp time if salaried or overtime if hourly wages. That said, watch your back. They could either be concerned that you won't come back after maternity leave, or even not want you to and will treat you differently.

  57. Liz Milne

    So what if they've got children! Your time is just as valuable as anyone else's! I would say they've learned to cut him off because they *cannot* be late to pick their child up, whether it's from school, afterschool care or a babysitter/ relative. You have stuff to do yourself! Tell him you have an appointment if he tries it again, and keep on walking like they do.
    OR
    Go to him everyday at 3:00ish and say, 'Hey, I'm going in an hour, did you want to discuss [whatever] before I finish up [tasks you do at the end of the day]?'
    Or both!

  58. Anonymous

    I 100% agree with Liz Milne. Beat them to it by going to them before you leave for the day. It's time to set your boundaries or be like the others ay good night don't make eye contact keep it moving. Good luck...

  59. Anonymous

    Stop walking past his office when you leave. Don't announce it. Stop him when he calls you into the office and say "Your day might be beginning but mine is over. Please email me your notes and I'll handle it in the morning." You don't need to explain. It doesn't matter if you don't have kids.

  60. Anonymous

    That sounds insubordinate

  61. Anonymous

    Oh geez…that would be a good way to get fired lol.

  62. Lisa

    Bosses/managers will do that passive aggressive crap forever if you don't put a stop to it.

    Send a note - do NOT apologize or make family-oriented excuses.

    "Dear Boss - I understand that you feel a daily catch up is needed. I am sending you an invitation for a 1/2 hour daily meeting so that we can do just that. The timing is such that any follow-ups/action items can be at least started before the end of my work day at 4pm."

  63. Anonymous

    Your boss may not even be aware that they are doing this. It sounds like this is important to you so you need to speak up and be proactive. Try scheduling a set meeting to go over projects each day or send an email to update your boss on those days they are busy and cannot meet. It’s important to keep an open line of communication. You will find that most bosses are willing and flexible to work with you but they cannot help you if they are not aware of your concerns. Good luck!

  64. Danielle

    In your defense, you are off the clock just like they are! Respect is 100% universal. Just as you stated, he could call, email, or get with you prior to your end time. It's disrespectful to "insist," and he is insisting, that you stay after normal work hours.

    My fear is that he will continue to overstep the boundaries after you have the baby and you will feel even more singled out and annoyed. Have a conversation with your boss as soon as possible. Explain that you are happy to discuss your projects or answer any questions he may have but by day's end, you are mentally fatigued. It's important to you to be attuned and mentally focused on your conversation as not to miss important facts and suggestions. He should be compassionate and care enough to make sure you are mentally and physically in the best space. Work/Life balance is critical as is respect!

    I will keep you and your boss in my prayers. Please keep us posted. Best!

  65. Tara Lerman

    Hi there! Not sure what your title is but coming from someone who is an Executive Assistant to Partners & an Office Manager, I get this all the time!!! However, there are a couple things to take into consideration 1st. Anywhere in your job spec did it state something like 8am-4pm with after hours as needed or expected? 2nd, are you salary or hourly? When you're salary, it's a bit different...no one i know that is on salary really goes exactly by the minute, to the clock. When its hourly/set wage then yes, I get that. I wouldn't be too aggressive with your approach esp if this a place you want to be at long term or a place you want to advance in position at bc you never want to look like a clock-watcher, but when you're pregnant, they need to respect you have your limits to your day. And I agree with everyone else here about suggesting a time to go over things. They may be hesitant to commit to a time bc they come in late, but tell them you can do it late afternoon at 3:45pm. But at least that 15 minutes is not an extra 15 but rather your last 15. And I also agree with just slipping out the door quietly. Why even risk it if you know their habits? Just go! And when they come looking for you, they'll start to be like ohh damn, look at that, its already past 4...Basically EVERYONE is gone that I need or want to speak with. MAYBE, just MAYBE I should start getting my ass in here before 330pm or else i shouldn't even come in at all....Because its pointless!

  66. rgstaffing@bellsouth.net

    Because i have placed many high level Executive Assistants, I agree that most understand that it is not an 8-5 job and for many at that high level 24/7 keeping an eye on that email and phone.
    The hourlys are a different story. Most want to adhere to their hours. Hopefully they arrive on time and want to leave on time. I say just say goodbye with purse on shoulder and walk by but problem is now the pattern has been established so she will have to address it.

  67. Jaime

    My instinct tells me to do as your teammates do and just shout "bye" as you're rushing by. If that doesn't help, I'd tell him that while you're happy to talk about anything he needs, you do have a hard out at the end of your shift but would be happy to set up a time earlier in the day to chat. Like others have said, don't give a reason actual excuse because that can easily be turned around on you.

  68. 60isthenew40

    If you're pregnant, I would leave it be. Soon enough, you'll have the same "excuse" the other mothers have and can beg out of late meetings by saying you've got to get the baby from the daycare/sitter/etc. by a certain time.

    It might be a disorganized boss or it might be a power play, but sometimes (especially when you know it's temporary), it's best to pick your battles.

    However, if you're really struggling right now and can't wait, why not take the bull by the horns and give them a call around 3 p.m. and say, "I just wanted to check in with you about..." or something to that effect. That might stem the last-minute meetings if you've gotten them up-to-speed on what you're working on.

  69. surfnwrite

    Also, why do you need to say goodbye? That's an invitation to be spoken to. Why not just walk past and be on your way? That's what you'd do if the door were closed, so pretend the door is closed. I've worked in many offices were people's door is near the main door and it is not expected nor recommended to say "Goodbye" every day on the way out. In a large office that would also be distracting.

  70. Aramis Salazar Gaudet

    This used to happen to me all the time at a previous job. The answer is simple. Stop saying bye. I stopped and I would also go out of the office a different way. It may be rude but it’s also rude to make you stand there with all your belongings waiting to leave while they want to talk about work after you’re already clocked out.

    Or if you don’t want to just leave, set your things down and tell them you need to clock back in if they want you to talk about work and see how that flies.

  71. Anonymous

    Yes, don't say bye, don't hover with your belongings. Worse, don't go into his office and start taking off your coat, putting down your bag, etc. In my case, my manager was an empty nester and complained that she couldn't get any work done during regular hours because of all the email she had to answer. She would be out of her office at meetings but also had a habit of prolonging the meetings with gossip and irrelevant topics. If a meeting was held at the end of the day, most people would scramble out the door with their stuff in minutes. But my cubicle was just outside her office, so she would come to visit and catch up, but mostly to socialize. I would stupidly give her my full attention and then have to stay a bit to catch up on the work I was hoping to complete before that day. Then I'd stay a little bit more, because my next train wasn't for another half hour etc. I put up with years of this and one day last year they laid me off unceremoniously... and she got promoted to Director!

  72. Anonymous

    You can go in at like 3:40 (give him a few minutes to get settled) and say “I have to leave right at 4pm so I wanted to see if there was anything you needed to discuss before I leave”. If he says yes then discuss things and, after, ask him if he’d like you to set up a meeting everyday at 340 to go over things. If he says no to your initial question or to setting up daily meetings, then just sneak out at 4pm like everyone does lol. You’ve done your due diligence so it’s on him if he doesn’t have his sh*t together before 4pm. But I agree with everyone that you should stop saying bye when you leave.

  73. BrandieFarmer

    This is an extremely good suggestion-Beat him to it. Maybe he will bagger on later after a few about how she could be using that time for work. In which she can say what she'd notice and really express the sentiments behind her reasoning; as a strategy to tackle the issue that's bothering her, Afterall she states that she is pregnant and I can or any reasonable human can reason with her situation. By then she is depleted and in need of self-care is a perfect excuse or reason. Or it is a dilemma solved.

  74. Anonymous

    Different angle here. Keep in mind once your kids are in school you are going to need alot of flexibility, so if you give them time now, they will remember it later. Document your days you stay late to use as time bargaining.

  75. Anonymous

    Not necessarily, this does not always happen like this. Once they see you will work and work, they will continue without remembering your value.

  76. Anonymous

    True, true! I know this scenario firsthand from years of dealing with supervisors who have selective memory.

  77. Carolyn Fields

    I had the same problem in reverse. I was the supervisor and got into work around 6 AM. This was so that I could get a jump on my work while it was quiet. Most of my direct reports started at 8 or 9 AM. At 3 PM, I was ready to go. Several days a week, one or more of my direct reports picked 3 PM to begin a conversation or ask a question. My solution was to say, "walk with me," as I continued toward my car. I would continue to walk and talk, loading my car and getting ready to leave. Usually, the other person lost interest in the topic once we hit the parking lot. If not, I just said, "I really need to leave. Let's take this up again tomorrow."
    I don't know if that would work with your boss, but it's worth a try.
    Also, is there another exit (even if it's farther away) that does not pass his office? Might be worth a try.

  78. Anonymous

    I had a manager who come stop by during the last 30min and ask questions for status updates or debrief of what happened that day. I told my boss I use the last 30minutes of my work day to wind down, put files, folders etc back to where they belong if I got it from a file cabinet or tidy up my desk.

    I also told her that since the last 30 minutes I usually wind down, any info or topics she discussed with me, I might forget since my mindset is preparing to leave and to have the conversation the next day.

    My boss stopped asking me questions during the last 30min and left me alone.

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