Comments on: Voluntary Overtime: Goodwill? Good grief. http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/ Beyond Communication Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:23:16 +1000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Anonymous http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-702 Anonymous Sun, 05 Oct 2008 17:56:01 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-702 Hello, I just want to thank you for such amazing advice, I was certain to fall into these 'pitfalls' whilst trying to shine for future employers and your advice is invaluable. I've bookmarked your website and I'm sure it will be very useful for all sorts of things in the future. Hello,

I just want to thank you for such amazing advice, I was certain to fall into these ‘pitfalls’ whilst trying to shine for future employers and your advice is invaluable.
I’ve bookmarked your website and I’m sure it will be very useful for all sorts of things in the future.

]]> By: KT http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-701 KT Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:40:46 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-701 I work in a call centre for people with disabilities, and my work runs on a government contract. I often arrive early. And once in a while, at the beginning and/or end of my shift, we have more calls then we can handle. So some people jump on early or stay late. It's not uncommon. Of course, if we start or finish 15 minutes different from the shift allocated we can claim extra pay... I work in a call centre for people with disabilities, and my work runs on a government contract. I often arrive early. And once in a while, at the beginning and/or end of my shift, we have more calls then we can handle. So some people jump on early or stay late. It’s not uncommon. Of course, if we start or finish 15 minutes different from the shift allocated we can claim extra pay…

]]> By: Voluntary Overtime: Necessary, or just a Popularity Contest? » Popular Fidelity » Tech http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-700 Voluntary Overtime: Necessary, or just a Popularity Contest? » Popular Fidelity » Tech Sun, 30 Mar 2008 21:28:30 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-700 [...] this author puts it, when he was doing this very same thing, he and his co-workers just wanted to stand out. But is [...] [...] this author puts it, when he was doing this very same thing, he and his co-workers just wanted to stand out. But is [...]

]]> By: Silvia http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-699 Silvia Sun, 24 Feb 2008 19:49:30 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-699 "No matter what you have done in the past, the perception that people have of you is dependent only on the most recent encounter." As a employer of five, I decide to change at least my side. I learnt Naikan. And when I get too angry or disappointed I practice Naikan. It was specially good when I fired two of them. I was able to show my gratitude and to emphasize one or two qualities of them. They leaved the job in a better disposition and later, we could meet without friction. Naikan also provides means for noticing what is wrong in my own atitude in order to prevent problems in the future. It also makes clearer when I am receiving less than I should from a person or a service. "Naikan is a Japanese reflection that is based on three questions: * What have I received from __________ ? * What have I given to __________ ? * What troubles and difficulties have I caused __________ ? These questions provide a foundation for reflecting on relationships with others. We can reflect on ourselves in relation to pets, or even objects which serve us such as cars. In each case, we search for a more realistic view of our conduct and of the give and take which has occurred in the relationship. " Silvia “No matter what you have done in the past, the perception that people have of you is dependent only on the most recent encounter.” As a employer of five, I decide to change at least my side. I learnt Naikan. And when I get too angry or disappointed I practice Naikan. It was specially good when I fired two of them. I was able to show my gratitude and to emphasize one or two qualities of them. They leaved the job in a better disposition and later, we could meet without friction. Naikan also provides means for noticing what is wrong in my own atitude in order to prevent problems in the future. It also makes clearer when I am receiving less than I should from a person or a service.

“Naikan is a Japanese reflection that is based on three questions:
* What have I received from __________ ?
* What have I given to __________ ?
* What troubles and difficulties have I caused __________ ?

These questions provide a foundation for reflecting on relationships with others. We can reflect on ourselves in relation to pets, or even objects which serve us such as cars. In each case, we search for a more realistic view of our conduct and of the give and take which has occurred in the relationship. ”

Silvia

]]> By: Grebby http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-698 Grebby Tue, 29 Jan 2008 23:25:14 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-698 Thank you for the confirmation of what I have always believed. Working late for the sake of appearances can backfire. When I work late it is because the current project imposes a heavier workload than usual, and it lets my employer know that I am efficient with my time but willing to put in extra time when the task requires it. Thank you for the confirmation of what I have always believed. Working late for the sake of appearances can backfire. When I work late it is because the current project imposes a heavier workload than usual, and it lets my employer know that I am efficient with my time but willing to put in extra time when the task requires it.

]]> By: MJ http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-697 MJ Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:28:26 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-697 Excellent post. Also, I can second the comments from TokyoDevil. The Japanese never cease to amaze with their upaid overtime. Actually, they all hate it. Excellent post. Also, I can second the comments from TokyoDevil. The Japanese never cease to amaze with their upaid overtime. Actually, they all hate it.

]]> By: Peter http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-696 Peter Tue, 29 Jan 2008 19:13:36 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-696 Awwww, God-narb it. I wanted to work in Japan. But overtime equals a big joy killer, in my book. Also, I find trying to stay awake after 9-5 day is close to impossible. So now there is this and Japan's well documented of xenophobia. Damn dreams are always getting in the way of real life. Why couldnt Pandora shut the box that bit sooner? Awwww, God-narb it. I wanted to work in Japan. But overtime equals a big joy killer, in my book. Also, I find trying to stay awake after 9-5 day is close to impossible. So now there is this and Japan’s well documented of xenophobia. Damn dreams are always getting in the way of real life.
Why couldnt Pandora shut the box that bit sooner?

]]> By: Yuppie Sherpa http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-695 Yuppie Sherpa Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:45:19 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-695 A good read, though I believe it's important to be seen at least once in a while working overtime. Even though you may realize that more hours doesn't always equal more productivity, there's no guarantee your boss realizes or acknowledges that. I had a very productive employee who used to leave the office early every Friday because, as he would say, his "40 hours were up". He was good at his job and completed the tasks assigned to him, but as soon as there was one problem with something he did, he was fired. Even if that extra hour at your desk once every two weeks is nothing but a symbolic gesture, it's important to show those above you that you're willing to do more than the minimum. Just my $0.02 A good read, though I believe it’s important to be seen at least once in a while working overtime. Even though you may realize that more hours doesn’t always equal more productivity, there’s no guarantee your boss realizes or acknowledges that.

I had a very productive employee who used to leave the office early every Friday because, as he would say, his “40 hours were up”. He was good at his job and completed the tasks assigned to him, but as soon as there was one problem with something he did, he was fired. Even if that extra hour at your desk once every two weeks is nothing but a symbolic gesture, it’s important to show those above you that you’re willing to do more than the minimum. Just my $0.02

]]> By: Wouter http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-694 Wouter Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:32:09 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-694 Hey Jay, wow! thanx for making me feel stupid and open my eyes early in my career!! I was a victim of exacly this! Also hearing the boss ask me: "Are you working half day today?" when I want to leave at 5:00PM. This went on for 2 and a half years and I recently started a new job at a big corporate company. I'm defenately reading on more to not fall for any of this at my new job. Thanx to you and my friend who sent me this website! Wouter Hey Jay,

wow! thanx for making me feel stupid and open my eyes early in my career!! I was a victim of exacly this! Also hearing the boss ask me: “Are you working half day today?” when I want to leave at 5:00PM. This went on for 2 and a half years and I recently started a new job at a big corporate company. I’m defenately reading on more to not fall for any of this at my new job. Thanx to you and my friend who sent me this website!

Wouter

]]> By: marc http://jaymorrissey.com/blog/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-693 marc Tue, 29 Jan 2008 04:49:38 +0000 http://www.jaymorrissey.com/2008/01/26/voluntary-overtime-goodwill-good-grief/#comment-693 Jay & readers, I'm a victim of all that and more. I've been told many times that I'm too nice. Often I try to pick up and make up for others, help others, stand-up for other who are unfairly treated, do things that are not my job just to make sure that things keep moving, etc. I am competitive and driven too. If I say it will be done then it will be done. But what often happens is that the boss or team over promises something and I end up trying to make it happen. These unrealistic situation and deadlines, not to mention often non-coherent plans/ideas that have to adjust all the time, keep me from living and sleeping. Because I’m competitive and a positive thinker I always think it will work out and change. So, I ended up a few times working 100h weeks for months straight to then be beaten up. And in general if something went wrong that isn't even my job I'm still held responsible for it as I could have prevented/fixed it. (A culture driven by fear. Which I only know now.) No matter what I did are said I never could win. Very unrewarding and not fulfilling at all! I still have a very good report with all my vendors and some people at my past firms, just not the bad apples as I cut them out. Thankful to the vendors who keep telling me that I’m good and it is not me keeps me thinking it has to me, even though I sometimes do wonder. But it was not always like that. My last job was so physically and emotionally draining due to inner office politics and power plays. My position (marketing) and I were right in the middle – being used - so it was not pleasant. The frustrating part was that I'm circumstance of their doings and am not being fairly judged on what I have done despite all. And now making my resume weaker. I'm though very, very happy to be out of there, but wasn’t at first. Let’s see what comes next. What is sad though is that I like to believe people are good but my last two jobs and two consulting project don’t reflect this. Now my guards are up higher than ever before and that is sad. Thanks – it is good to read that others have the same views as I do and have gone through some of the same pains. Only after it is over one see things differently. Advice to others, be more vocal sooner and don't let things become the norm. And if you can't change it change jobs before it changes you. Jay & readers,

I’m a victim of all that and more. I’ve been told many times that I’m too nice. Often I try to pick up and make up for others, help others, stand-up for other who are unfairly treated, do things that are not my job just to make sure that things keep moving, etc.

I am competitive and driven too. If I say it will be done then it will be done. But what often happens is that the boss or team over promises something and I end up trying to make it happen. These unrealistic situation and deadlines, not to mention often non-coherent plans/ideas that have to adjust all the time, keep me from living and sleeping. Because I’m competitive and a positive thinker I always think it will work out and change.

So, I ended up a few times working 100h weeks for months straight to then be beaten up. And in general if something went wrong that isn’t even my job I’m still held responsible for it as I could have prevented/fixed it. (A culture driven by fear. Which I only know now.)

No matter what I did are said I never could win. Very unrewarding and not fulfilling at all! I still have a very good report with all my vendors and some people at my past firms, just not the bad apples as I cut them out. Thankful to the vendors who keep telling me that I’m good and it is not me keeps me thinking it has to me, even though I sometimes do wonder. But it was not always like that.

My last job was so physically and emotionally draining due to inner office politics and power plays. My position (marketing) and I were right in the middle – being used – so it was not pleasant. The frustrating part was that I’m circumstance of their doings and am not being fairly judged on what I have done despite all. And now making my resume weaker. I’m though very, very happy to be out of there, but wasn’t at first. Let’s see what comes next.

What is sad though is that I like to believe people are good but my last two jobs and two consulting project don’t reflect this. Now my guards are up higher than ever before and that is sad.

Thanks – it is good to read that others have the same views as I do and have gone through some of the same pains. Only after it is over one see things differently.

Advice to others, be more vocal sooner and don’t let things become the norm. And if you can’t change it change jobs before it changes you.

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