65K and I don't check emails after 5PM on Fridays. No, not happening, nuh-uh.

When I made that amount in my 20s, I was always "on call". I thought it was the way to get ahead. And I did, sort of: I got two title promotions, but with minimal raises (so I was still marking less than $70k).

That's when I stopped making myself so available, and started looking for a new job.

Now I am in my 30s, have kids, make $125k (different job), and don't work at night or on weekends unless it is absolutely critical.

When my salary was $40K-$70K, I worked quite a bit outside of normal hours. It wasn't consistent - I'd have a few months of 9-5 hours - then a project would demand extensive evenings, weekends, and travel for a few months.

But, I was (and still am) in an industry where that is a known norm, and there is significant upward mobility for those who prove their value. 6 years later, I'm making $160K and still have a lot of room left to grow. I viewed those extra hours as an investment in my future. I would be a lot less inclined to do that if my career didn't have that growth potential.

I make about $65k and I probably put in 4-8 hours a week outside of regular work hours. Mostly responding to clients and preparing for meetings.

I do make a point of only do this for "work"; I don't do "social" activities on my own time.

As I often say, employers will bleed you for as much as possible while paying as little as possible. That's what they do. There are no rules other than what they can get away with. Washington has long provided employers (esp. non-profits) with an endless supply of smart, energetic newbies to take the place of those who leave for something better or burn out.

Anonymous wrote:I got a lecture today about not being a team player because I should check my email on weekends, be more available for optional events in the evenings, more flexible. But at 65k, I think that's asking too much. My DH is in call all the time, but he makes 2x as me so his job and evening events take priority. Is this a reasonable ask?

Make the same, do absolutely nothing outside of hours.

To do the job the way they'd like us to (I'm a preschool teacher), probably an extra 14 hours a week, if not more. I don't except during a few times a year, but yes, there's a lot of pressure. And I make 50k a year.

BFF is an atty at a non profit in NYC making in the 70-90k range -- all the freaking time. Was in the office until 1 am a few days this week for a filing. Often will call me as she's leaving work at 10-11 pm. I think it's ludicrous. We both worked like that when we were in biglaw - but then we were making biglaw money.

I make double that and I do less than a couple hours work a week outside the office. I do answer emails, even if to say I will get back to hem at xyz time the next day/Monday.

Virtually zero.

Regarding events, can you ask for comp time? Come in later the next day, that sort of thing?

70k in this area- no, they shouldn't expect anything from you beyond 40 hours a week. My answer would change if you were in a lower cost of living area or if your employer is giving you an iphone. If you get an iphone, you are agreeing to be more available.

Zero. I used to do this but slowly pushed back by increasing the reply time until now I no longer reply to emails on the weekend at all. I make too little money to be that available also I have a family now and want to decompress on the weekends and focus on them.

zero. that's one of the reasons i work for a non-profit. lower pay but i am in control of my work life balance. i make 70K.

Zero

I don't check emails on weekends (except Sun night). I rarely go to events after work because I often have to attend work events early in the AM.

No, but that won't stop them from demanding. Some people have no sense of reasonable work-life balance anymore.

I got a lecture today about not being a team player because I should check my email on weekends, be more available for optional events in the evenings, more flexible. But at 65k, I think that's asking too much. My DH is in call all the time, but he makes 2x as me so his job and evening events take priority. Is this a reasonable ask?