Archive: Around Town

Dear Margaret: I'm a fairly new employee at a small company, and this job is my first one out of college. My boss has made it clear that expectations are high in terms of the number of hours put in as well as production. I am paid on salary, not by the hour, and the salary is decent. Most employees, including management, do not work 9 to 5, but stay at least 2 to 3 hours past the end of the official work day. After being there for about a month, I'm feeling like I don't have a life outside this job, and I'm beginning to resent 9 to 10 hour work days without extra compensation. Shall I mention this to my employer? I don't want to jeopardize my position.
Feeling Overworked

Dear Feeling Overworked: There is nothing wrong with wanting to limit time at your job to eight hours. The decision is actually yours to make. What you need to decide is what you want out of your work life. Do you want a 9 to 5 job that will simply support your desired lifestyle, or do you want a career that provides fulfillment in response to more creative urges? I noted that you referred to your occupation as a 'job' and not a 'career.'  That may be telling in itself. Once you have made that determination, this particular company may or may not be a good fit for you. However, since you are new to the workforce, it would be a good idea to give it more time, attempt to meet your employer's expectations, and determine if your expectations and desires in your work life meet those of your boss.

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