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Why don't more people take advantage of OT?

November 11th, 2009 at 01:30 am

Why don't more people take advantage of OT if it is offered? My job does not often offer OT, in fact they are major time sticklers and do not want you to even work 5 min OT without approval. But last week a project was announced, voluntary OT, no limit on the hours you put in as long as the office is open (6am-6pm M-F and 7-12 some Sat). Obviously I jumped at this. Friday was the first day available, I worked till the office closed, Sat I worked for an hour but had computer issues so was unable to continue, Monday came in an hour early and left almost 2 hours after my shift, and same thing today.......because I know that this project is only temporary (probably 3 weeks or so) I plan on putting as many hours as I can for OT pay (time and a half). What I don't get is why others would not take advantage of this? I have several coworkers who volunteered to do the OT, yet have put in very few or no extra hours at all. I think that is just stupid. Especially with todays uncertain economy. People need to wake up and take what they can get when opportunities are offered. Keep in mind, several of these coworkers often complain of money troubles, yet instead of taking the OT hours they are ordering Chinese for lunch.....hmmmm.....anyone else see a problem with the logic there?
Well that's enough of my rant......as for me I WILL be taking all I can get. Have gotten 7 hours so far and hope to get another 12 hours this week.

10 Responses to “Why don't more people take advantage of OT?”

  1. GusitaRenkr Says:
    1257908795

    I agree. My job is a stickler for no overtime, under normal circumstances. When it is offered, I jump at the chance! Definitely can't beat time and a half!

  2. whitestripe Says:
    1257909647

    At my job they specifically arrange the roster so that no staff member goes over their allowable hours. If I had overtime available to me I would do it ALL THE TIME.
    But, I do understand why some people don't. Family, social and fitness commitments must make it hard for some. I am sure that there are lots of people that would love to take advantage of overtime but can't.
    Just look at all the pre-packaged food there is available at the supermarket; clearly there are lots of people with little time on their hands (or, people who *think* they have little time on their hands).

  3. ceejay74 Says:
    1257910579

    I would if my company paid OT, but I'm salaried, so I try not to fall into the trap that many of my co-workers do, working longer hours and what do they get? People come to expect it from them. I'll do it very occasionally, but I make sure everyone knows I'm not pleased, so they know that's not going to become the norm. Smile

  4. baselle Says:
    1257915557

    I'm salaried also, so I try to keep it at 8 hrs. OT is a funny thing - its a bit like a marathon. Nice to think that you can do, but requires preparation. Things like rearranging social and family commitments. What we have that irks me is the work at home fake out, otherwise known as "I'm working on the computer at home". (uh, yeah, right.) Definitely see that when the snow flies. Makes me cranky because much of my job involves money and paper, so I have to come in. Smile

  5. homebody Says:
    1257927700

    I would probably not do it because my body can only take so much sitting and transcribing. That may be one reason people do not take advantage. Aging is the pits! I use to work 12 hours days all the time when I was self-employed. Could not do it now.

  6. Broken Arrow Says:
    1257946577

    I would love to, although my job rarely has any of such opportunities come up. I do take it whenever I can though. Especially in this economy, I don't know why anyone would pass it up either. Hopefully, they have a good reason, and not just because they don't want to or something?

  7. Caoineag Says:
    1257949128

    Salary here. Hubby takes full advantage of any overtime offered to him though. I used to when I had a job that allowed it. But we are workaholics so that is to be expected.

  8. Ima saver Says:
    1257957160

    My husband has worked 7 days a week ever since we have been married, so I agree with you! He gets his same hourly wage, but those extra hours do add up!

  9. M E 2 Says:
    1257964102



    Because some people value their time off more than they do money.


  10. creditcardfree Says:
    1257991044

    Careful not to judge. If the employee has kids, and would need a sitter to work additional hours it can be difficult to work overtime. Everyone has their tipping point for work.

    If you can do it, yes work as much as you can! Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

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