major change in hours how to approach employer.

[holden j caufield]

So I used to work normal hours but would also be on call so once in awhile I'd need to go in at midnight etc. I was cool with that, it's a job. Then my hours got changed to the odd middle shift ending at 9pm. Didn't like it but I figured I'd go with it and be a team player. Now they want me working a nine hour graveyard shift till 3am. I don't think I'll be a functional person with hours like this, I'd never see my gf, family or friends and be pretty depressed.

My dilemma is I like my boss so I'm asking how to approach this in the best professional way to ask.

1) Not to be put in these hours without sounding like I'm demanding something
2) If a solution is not possible how do I end it in the most amicable way

Thanks

 

[Soccerman06]

Tell him you wont do it and if he doesnt like that, youll find a new job

 

[Matthiasa]

Just list why you can't, they will most likely be able to get someone else to fill it...

 

[KaOTiK]

Wow, hour change like that and they never even spoke to you about it before hand? Sounds like they want to get rid of you.

 

[Mill]

Sometimes you have to tough it out. It stinks that they didn't give you more notice or additional options? How long have you been working there? Whatever you do, don't quite. Wait until you get another job lined up. Companies will literally not hire you in many places unless you are currently employed and EFR.

 

[0roo0roo]

depends on the financial position of the company, are they scaling back, or are they just abusing you.

 

[holden j caufield]

I've been there 3 years. I don't know the financial position but I think they are ok. I'm usually a whatever, happy go lucky person and while I do agree that you should never leave a job until you find another. I think my health, happiness, and quality of life would be so greatly affected I don't think I want to ride it out, especially since I don't spend a great deal so I've got some saved up,

 

[I Saw OJ]

I did 12am-9am for years and it blew. Never felt like I ever caught up on my sleep even on days off.

 

[BoomerD]

Find a new job. IME, once you get stuck on swing/graveyard, you never return...

 

[holden j caufield]

I did 12am-9am for years and it blew. Never felt like I ever caught up on my sleep even on days off.

Though it blows, imo 12am to 9am is slightly better. You can still see your gf or wife/friends/family after they get off work. You can socialize a bit before going to work.

Also anybody want to give me tips on how to do this the most professional way?

 

[Sonikku]

Tell them why these hours don't work for you and mention how you've been a loyal employee for 3 years and an asset to the company. If he calls your bluff though, you're fucked. These days companies can do whatever they want with hired help. Don't like it? There's a dozen unemployed people just itching for half a chance to take your place.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

I'm doing 6PM to 8AM right now and honestly I really like it. I just started so I'm trying to adjust my sleep schedule (I'm only getting about 3 hours of sleep a night (day) because I can't lay around in bed like that). That being said, it tends to be calmer and not so hectic at night. Spare time to study my Master's program and all day to make appointments and other things that are hard to get accomplished when you're stuck to the same 9-5 that people you're making appointments with hold.

That being said, I can definitely agree this isn't for everyone. If not for the Master's Degree, I'd still rather do days.

 

[Colt45]

I'd start looking for work.


I did graves for a while years ago. I'm a night owl and it still fucked me up. do not want. Seemed like all I did was work and sleep. :/

 

[Cyco]

Up until now I was in the military, and I worked whatever hours I was supposed to.

That being said, from now on I'm going to work the hours I want to or walk.

Seems a no-brainer to me.

 

[Dr. Zaus]

So I used to work normal hours but would also be on call so once in awhile I'd need to go in at midnight etc. I was cool with that, it's a job. Then my hours got changed to the odd middle shift ending at 9pm. Didn't like it but I figured I'd go with it and be a team player. Now they want me working a nine hour graveyard shift till 3am. I don't think I'll be a functional person with hours like this, I'd never see my gf, family or friends and be pretty depressed.

My dilemma is I like my boss so I'm asking how to approach this in the best professional way to ask.

1) Not to be put in these hours without sounding like I'm demanding something
2) If a solution is not possible how do I end it in the most amicable way

Thanks

Systemic changes, like this, to your work-conditions qualify you for unemployment even if you quit.

You need to write a letter, delivery-confirmation,(or email) explaining that you are in need of other hours. Explain that this is going to impede upon your ability to conduct your work and that it constitutes a significant change in working conditions.

Then the ball is in their court.

In the mean-while know that this is a typical means of firing someone and if you like your boss that much it's probably because she's too nice to tell someone that they need to setup-up their game.

 

[Lalakai]

when you hired in, did they have the practice of rotating workers to different schedules? In many cases where this is normal, when it's your turn, that's it. However, there are some options. If management doesn't mind, see if you can find someone who was on that shift and was rotated like you; perhaps they want that specific time slot and will be willing to swap with you. You can also request that you be moved back to your prior time slot, based on .........................suitable reasons. If management has the flexibility, they may be able to move you back. "Seniority" on the job may also come into play, if that's an option. If your shop is union, based on your seniority, you may be able to bump back.

good luck

 

[alkemyst]

Time to find a new job more than likely.

 

[Texashiker]

Most companies are set in their ways and will not change their operating procedure to match your expectations.

I would talk to the boss, and be nice about it.

If you do not like the answer, look for another job.

I used to work a rotating shift - 2 weeks on days, 2 weeks on nights, and it sucked big time. Our scheduled night shift was 3:30pm until either 12 midnight, 2am or 3:30 am depending on if we worked 8, 10 or 12 hours. There were times when I did not get a day off in 6 weeks, working 3:30pm until 3:30am. When we went on 12 hour shifts, the rotation was suspended, and whatever shift you were on, that is where you stayed.

 

[yllus]

Systemic changes, like this, to your work-conditions qualify you for unemployment even if you quit.

You need to write a letter, delivery-confirmation,(or email) explaining that you are in need of other hours. Explain that this is going to impede upon your ability to conduct your work and that it constitutes a significant change in working conditions.

Then the ball is in their court.

In the mean-while know that this is a typical means of firing someone and if you like your boss that much it's probably because she's too nice to tell someone that they need to setup-up their game.

IANAL, but this does sound to me like constructive dismissal. What does your employment contract say in regards to hours?

 

[holden j caufield]

thanks I'm about to talk to them about this

 

[CRXican]

good luck

I'm one of the noobs at my job and my shift is 11am - 9pm. Fucks up the whole day/evening, especially when I routinely get off an hour late. Add in that it's Tuesday, Thurs, Friday, Saturday and try having a normal weekend.

such is life, it's nice to have a job, for now

 

[holden j caufield]

went better than I thought, they are trying to accommodate as best they can.

 

[KeithP]

Wow, hour change like that and they never even spoke to you about it before hand? Sounds like they want to get rid of you.

This is what I was thinking as well. Or, at the very least, they aren't happy with your performance.

Personally, I wouldn't bother talking to your boss. Generally speaking, most people think that those aren't favorable hours, your boss already understands this. If he was happy with you I find it unlikely your hours would have changed.

Time to go job hunting.

-KeithP

 

[Kaekae]

From reading your concerns on sleep & overall health due to the new hours you should start finding a new job. Stay healthy and as stress free as you can! It just makes everything else that much more enjoyable.

 

[rudder]

I've been there 3 years. I don't know the financial position but I think they are ok. I'm usually a whatever, happy go lucky person and while I do agree that you should never leave a job until you find another. I think my health, happiness, and quality of life would be so greatly affected I don't think I want to ride it out, especially since I don't spend a great deal so I've got some saved up,

At least if you ride it out... having those hours makes it very easy to job hunt.