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Someone Gives Millennials Advice On How To Say ‘No’ When Your Boss Wants You To Work On A Free Day
The inescapable part of adult life is being part of the workforce, dedicating most of our days to one industry or another in order to earn money. Bills need to be covered and food must be put on a table, so only a small percent of us can escape the routine of going to work. And when you’re laboring away to make the ends meet, living paycheck to paycheck, sometimes it allows the employer to gain the upper hand in your decision-making.
It’s not rare that employees working in shifts run into an uncomfortable situation where they are asked to cover. And while coworkers sometimes have emergencies and need some help to cover their shift, often times ones coming to the rescue are not treated as if they offered a helping hand. Sometimes the employer sees it as something that should be expected and required of the worker. Well, one Tumblr user thesnadger, decided to write out a solid reminder that despite being in the workforce, we’re all human beings and should have our limits.
RELATED:
One Tumblr user decided to give some solid tips to everyone entering the workforce
Image credits: Senior Airman Kaleb Snay
Snadger lays down some very simple, however very effective rules on how to deal with a boss who might try to pressure you into work that you didn’t sign up for. Her advice addresses one the bigger issues the younger generations seem to be plagued with – always having to reason themselves, even when they’re simply saying “no”. And some employers use that to their advantage by pressuring workers. That’s when Snadger proposes one simple phrase. Saying “I won’t be available” is what she recommends to people who have trouble saying “no” to their boss.
Here’s how people responded to the advice
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April Simnel 7 years ago
And salaried employees also need to know when to shut it down and go home, too. Bosses who expect you to be at work until 7, 8 and 9 PM every night are bad bosses.
Carol Emory 7 years ago (edited)
Not sure why diane's comment is getting down voted. This is a woman in need of some help. I'm going to explain this the best way I know how. Working OT and hours off the clock is like cheating on a test. Yes the teacher is going to grade your exam, but it's also your teachers assessment of how well you learned the material. If you lie about how much you remember of what you learned, the teacher is going to falsely think you're doing ok and give you harder work that you are less likely to understand. If you lie to your boss about how overloaded you are at work, then they are going to pile more onto you because they think you are Superwoman..not your average employee. Not to mention your employer can get in trouble for letting you work OT without proper compensation. Tell your boss the truth about what you are doing. They will either compensate you for your work or they will realize they are giving you too much. It's ok to say I can't do it all in the time you've given me.
Load More Replies...
Kjorn 7 years ago
remember few years ago, during my vacation. the technical supervisor call me and told me they needed me. they have a probleme and was needed. i was in my vacation yeah but Nothing to do so i says yeah but ask to let me eat before. i was making my diner and then the big boss call. he excuse himself in the behalf of the technical supervisor, thanks me for my availability and told me to not come back. that's a good boss.
Carol Emory 7 years ago
I like the fact that France made that a law that employers cannot contact employees when they are off the clock. I think that should happen everywhere. Of course there would be exceptions to the law..like calling an employee when a shop is broken into or there is a dire emergency. But regular calls of like "Hey..I need you to come in early on Monday because of a meeting..." Well then you should have told me by Friday when I clocked out.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 7 years ago
My husband is one of those people that goes to work way early and leaves pretty much after everyone is gone. He works in a small web and marketing office with 14 other people. He is one of two Web Developers and he is the Senior Developer because of how fast he is. He has this idea that he has to give more than the other people or the boss will become disappointed enough to fire him. He's slowly starting to realize that he does not have to kill himself for his boss. He's starting to take care of himself and I've encouraged him to stand up for himself. He's now working a normal 40 hour work week and spending more time on hobbies and creative outlets.
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
Good on him. Possibly he wasn't actually faster, but got more done because he worked longer hours.
Load More Replies...
Eunice Probert 7 years ago
It's not just younger folks who feel pressured. Older people do too. We were taught the same thing.
Panda Panda 7 years ago
This is a good read for bosses as well. If your business cannot withstand an employee being absent for a day, a week or even a month, you are understaffed and your business is in danger.
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
I heard a story today about my niece being pressured to come to work one day when she was genuinely too unwell to do so. She gave up working there in time, because of this attitude and other micro-management issues. When she mentioned her reasons for leaving to another worker there, she was told "yeah, some people can't hack it". I wish I'd been there to say "you mean some people won't put up with being taken advantage of?" Putting up with that sort of treatment doesn't mean you're strong, it means you're too weak to stick up for yourself.
Shari H 7 years ago
It was the early 90's, I was in my early 20's and working so many extra hours that I fell asleep in the middle of taking my shoes off. I woke up having trouble breathing because I was doubled over. It was then that I realized my employer needed my services more than I needed theirs and changed my mindset from "I work for my boss" to "I work for me". It has been invaluable to put my family above my job and I now have a great position in a great industry. The best part about deciding I work for me is that I hold myself to a high standard because if I'm putting my name on the finished product it better make me look good.
John Louis 7 years ago
Always remember wheat hopper, employers are in business to make money. They are never your friend. Never see them as anything more than a pay check.
Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
Seriously. Some employers try to pull that “we’re like a family” thing. B******t. When I quit my last and final job working for someone else, I had a big fight with a supervisor and quit on the spot. Nobody in my so-called work “family” did anything to defend me or get me back. After all those years of being “friends” with my boss.
Load More Replies... 
Diabla Jasmine 7 years ago
Just check out the slave law of Hungary. From now on we won't have any time for our family. If u say no, you'll be first, simple as that.
Wil Vanderheijden 7 years ago
I'm retired now but I always used the same line when an employer asked me to come in on a free day: "I can't I have a funeral." At one point he said"You do have a lot of funerals." I said" You do keep asking me a lot to work on my free days." He got the message and never asked me again.
John Montgomery 7 years ago
It's good advice unless you work for someone like Walmart. I don't but my wife does. The "core schedule" thing they are starting sounds like it's going to try and remedy that. It seems to be saying "are you sure you can't come in on your day off or get a different schedule. Ok, well then you just might not get your full hours".
Merle S 7 years ago
One of the comments reminded me of a German Radio Show / Book ("The Känguru Chroniken") There's one part where they talk about the German word "Arbeitnehmer" (employee) and "Arbeitgeber" (employer) This means basically Arbeitnehmer = taking work and Arbeitgeber = giving work from the word nehmen=take and geben=give so the book states, that it should be the other way around, so the employer should be the Arbeitnehmer, because he takes the work that the employee gives him. This is all in the situation of a job interview. So the sides are turned around and the employer has to tell the new employee why the company is great and why he should choose this company. and what the benefits are. that was kind of eye opening for me. (btw, it's a really funny radio show/book)
William Teach 7 years ago
Learning to say "no" is important. And don't feel bad about it. I typically go in to work for a few hours most Sunday's, try and pick up a quick sale, or, at worst, a few leads. Get there at noon, if no sale is happening, leave at 3 to 3:30. People are always asking me to work for them. I say "no." They can work their own shift on that 1 of 3 Sunday.
pusheen buttercup 7 years ago
wow, good job... everything I always tried to say, they found a way around it
Tony Sheridan 5 years ago
I am having heart problems and need some time off. All of my staff are millennials that refuse to pick up any shifts to help me out. They say it's not there problem. I've given them all the days off they have needed and still refuse to help others. Not impressed with the so called millennials
Naim Heredia 5 years ago
Disagree, Employer’s have the right to design the employees schedule not the other way around. unless the individual is independent contractor they have the right to work there “own schedule”. If you are a retail employee you must understand the nature of working anytime, otherwise choose another field.
Rebecca Joan 7 years ago
It's a catch 22 in my business. They cut the s**t outta the hours, and then he part timers b***h that they need more hours, but then when they're called in on a day off, they "aren't available." So then don't b***h that you need hours. I know it's a pain in the a*s to not be scheduled in the first place, but if you need the hours, maybe put off filling your fat face in bed all day and make that money you say you so desperately need.
Jim Hunt 7 years ago
The advice is textbook perfect. Explaining why or profusely apologizing doesn't help at all, and is usually quite harmful. One thing to add about such conversations: BEFORE you are asked to work weekends or late, have a chat with your boss about comp-time. Find out if your boss/company supports compensating you for the non-standard time you worked. Many companies are fine with comp-time, and some even give back 150% of the time you spent on your Saturday. If you have a reasonable expectation of getting Monday off, it might be a whole lot easier to say yes to working on Saturday. But don't wait until you are asked to work extra, to inquire about comp time. ask about comp-time soon after hiring, or during the interview... or right now, if not done yet.
SirWriteALot 7 years ago
work life balance. Also, most countries give you two consecutive rest days per week ... if you've already done Mon-Fri, guess when your rest days are going to be.
TJler 7 years ago
What a millennial idealistic thought that you shouldn't have to work on Saturdays. Embarrassing!
Kriel Kipjes 7 years ago (edited)
I once had a course for shy ppl to become more assertive. One guy had a controlling mother and sister and a boss who would always let him work extra and he couldn't say no. We had to do video training. I had to be the boss and make him work and he had to say no. Me: Can you work saturday please? Him: no. Me after a while of him continually saying no and having no problem whatsoever to tell me no: pleaaaaaaaase??? I will give you money and candy. Nope.
Erik Granqvist 7 years ago
Not knowing how to say no put me on sick leave due to fatigue. That was some 20 months ago. I am not back as of yet, more then a very few hours a week. Just learn to say no. Its extremley expensive not to - both to you and your employer.
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
They should at least offer a decent financial incentive to do the extra hours and if someone still isn't available just drop it. Bosses are obsessed with their businesses 24/7 - employees have lives outside work.
Michelle Pitsiokos 7 years ago
SMH. Where do I start? Gen-X here. The reason why you're still living in your parents' home is because you're lazy. Don't blame it on your parents. Even if they allow it, deep down you know the right thing to do. I started working at 14. I paid for my own car. Bought my first house at 23 because I worked overtime to earn the extra money for a down payment. If I were your boss and you refused I would ask you to find employment elsewhere. You all whine about the economy, your bad luck, society, whine, whine, whine. Get off of your lazy butts, leave the coffee shop and at least TRY to make us proud of you and began to restore a little faith in your generation. Stop bitching and start a revolution!
Craig Lee 7 years ago
Every millennial that works with my company, will barely work a 40 hour week. Forget working weekends, they won't even do that if they miss a day during the week. I'm wondering where these so called "Over worked" millennials are. Because they barely put in any effort at my job.
Stille20 7 years ago
I have to disagree with the premise. From my personal experience, Millennials have no problem saying they won't come in on their day off. They also tend to complain when they don't get enough hours. Pick a struggle. Disclaimer: I am a millennial and I understand "my experience" doesn't equal fact.
Adam Alber 7 years ago
Just don't complain and cry discrimination when that "someone else" that comes in for you is the one who gets promoted.
April Simnel 7 years ago
And salaried employees also need to know when to shut it down and go home, too. Bosses who expect you to be at work until 7, 8 and 9 PM every night are bad bosses.
Carol Emory 7 years ago (edited)
Not sure why diane's comment is getting down voted. This is a woman in need of some help. I'm going to explain this the best way I know how. Working OT and hours off the clock is like cheating on a test. Yes the teacher is going to grade your exam, but it's also your teachers assessment of how well you learned the material. If you lie about how much you remember of what you learned, the teacher is going to falsely think you're doing ok and give you harder work that you are less likely to understand. If you lie to your boss about how overloaded you are at work, then they are going to pile more onto you because they think you are Superwoman..not your average employee. Not to mention your employer can get in trouble for letting you work OT without proper compensation. Tell your boss the truth about what you are doing. They will either compensate you for your work or they will realize they are giving you too much. It's ok to say I can't do it all in the time you've given me.
Load More Replies... Kjorn 7 years ago
remember few years ago, during my vacation. the technical supervisor call me and told me they needed me. they have a probleme and was needed. i was in my vacation yeah but Nothing to do so i says yeah but ask to let me eat before. i was making my diner and then the big boss call. he excuse himself in the behalf of the technical supervisor, thanks me for my availability and told me to not come back. that's a good boss.
Carol Emory 7 years ago
I like the fact that France made that a law that employers cannot contact employees when they are off the clock. I think that should happen everywhere. Of course there would be exceptions to the law..like calling an employee when a shop is broken into or there is a dire emergency. But regular calls of like "Hey..I need you to come in early on Monday because of a meeting..." Well then you should have told me by Friday when I clocked out.
Load More Replies... Carol Emory 7 years ago
My husband is one of those people that goes to work way early and leaves pretty much after everyone is gone. He works in a small web and marketing office with 14 other people. He is one of two Web Developers and he is the Senior Developer because of how fast he is. He has this idea that he has to give more than the other people or the boss will become disappointed enough to fire him. He's slowly starting to realize that he does not have to kill himself for his boss. He's starting to take care of himself and I've encouraged him to stand up for himself. He's now working a normal 40 hour work week and spending more time on hobbies and creative outlets.
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
Good on him. Possibly he wasn't actually faster, but got more done because he worked longer hours.
Load More Replies... Eunice Probert 7 years ago
It's not just younger folks who feel pressured. Older people do too. We were taught the same thing.
Panda Panda 7 years ago
This is a good read for bosses as well. If your business cannot withstand an employee being absent for a day, a week or even a month, you are understaffed and your business is in danger.
RaroaRaroa 7 years ago
I heard a story today about my niece being pressured to come to work one day when she was genuinely too unwell to do so. She gave up working there in time, because of this attitude and other micro-management issues. When she mentioned her reasons for leaving to another worker there, she was told "yeah, some people can't hack it". I wish I'd been there to say "you mean some people won't put up with being taken advantage of?" Putting up with that sort of treatment doesn't mean you're strong, it means you're too weak to stick up for yourself.
Shari H 7 years ago
It was the early 90's, I was in my early 20's and working so many extra hours that I fell asleep in the middle of taking my shoes off. I woke up having trouble breathing because I was doubled over. It was then that I realized my employer needed my services more than I needed theirs and changed my mindset from "I work for my boss" to "I work for me". It has been invaluable to put my family above my job and I now have a great position in a great industry. The best part about deciding I work for me is that I hold myself to a high standard because if I'm putting my name on the finished product it better make me look good.
John Louis 7 years ago
Always remember wheat hopper, employers are in business to make money. They are never your friend. Never see them as anything more than a pay check.
Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
Seriously. Some employers try to pull that “we’re like a family” thing. B******t. When I quit my last and final job working for someone else, I had a big fight with a supervisor and quit on the spot. Nobody in my so-called work “family” did anything to defend me or get me back. After all those years of being “friends” with my boss.
Load More Replies... Diabla Jasmine 7 years ago
Just check out the slave law of Hungary. From now on we won't have any time for our family. If u say no, you'll be first, simple as that.
Wil Vanderheijden 7 years ago
I'm retired now but I always used the same line when an employer asked me to come in on a free day: "I can't I have a funeral." At one point he said"You do have a lot of funerals." I said" You do keep asking me a lot to work on my free days." He got the message and never asked me again.
John Montgomery 7 years ago
It's good advice unless you work for someone like Walmart. I don't but my wife does. The "core schedule" thing they are starting sounds like it's going to try and remedy that. It seems to be saying "are you sure you can't come in on your day off or get a different schedule. Ok, well then you just might not get your full hours".
Merle S 7 years ago
One of the comments reminded me of a German Radio Show / Book ("The Känguru Chroniken") There's one part where they talk about the German word "Arbeitnehmer" (employee) and "Arbeitgeber" (employer) This means basically Arbeitnehmer = taking work and Arbeitgeber = giving work from the word nehmen=take and geben=give so the book states, that it should be the other way around, so the employer should be the Arbeitnehmer, because he takes the work that the employee gives him. This is all in the situation of a job interview. So the sides are turned around and the employer has to tell the new employee why the company is great and why he should choose this company. and what the benefits are. that was kind of eye opening for me. (btw, it's a really funny radio show/book)
William Teach 7 years ago
Learning to say "no" is important. And don't feel bad about it. I typically go in to work for a few hours most Sunday's, try and pick up a quick sale, or, at worst, a few leads. Get there at noon, if no sale is happening, leave at 3 to 3:30. People are always asking me to work for them. I say "no." They can work their own shift on that 1 of 3 Sunday.
pusheen buttercup 7 years ago
wow, good job... everything I always tried to say, they found a way around it
Tony Sheridan 5 years ago
I am having heart problems and need some time off. All of my staff are millennials that refuse to pick up any shifts to help me out. They say it's not there problem. I've given them all the days off they have needed and still refuse to help others. Not impressed with the so called millennials
Naim Heredia 5 years ago
Disagree, Employer’s have the right to design the employees schedule not the other way around. unless the individual is independent contractor they have the right to work there “own schedule”. If you are a retail employee you must understand the nature of working anytime, otherwise choose another field.
Rebecca Joan 7 years ago
It's a catch 22 in my business. They cut the s**t outta the hours, and then he part timers b***h that they need more hours, but then when they're called in on a day off, they "aren't available." So then don't b***h that you need hours. I know it's a pain in the a*s to not be scheduled in the first place, but if you need the hours, maybe put off filling your fat face in bed all day and make that money you say you so desperately need.
Jim Hunt 7 years ago
The advice is textbook perfect. Explaining why or profusely apologizing doesn't help at all, and is usually quite harmful. One thing to add about such conversations: BEFORE you are asked to work weekends or late, have a chat with your boss about comp-time. Find out if your boss/company supports compensating you for the non-standard time you worked. Many companies are fine with comp-time, and some even give back 150% of the time you spent on your Saturday. If you have a reasonable expectation of getting Monday off, it might be a whole lot easier to say yes to working on Saturday. But don't wait until you are asked to work extra, to inquire about comp time. ask about comp-time soon after hiring, or during the interview... or right now, if not done yet.
SirWriteALot 7 years ago
work life balance. Also, most countries give you two consecutive rest days per week ... if you've already done Mon-Fri, guess when your rest days are going to be.
TJler 7 years ago
What a millennial idealistic thought that you shouldn't have to work on Saturdays. Embarrassing!
Kriel Kipjes 7 years ago (edited)
I once had a course for shy ppl to become more assertive. One guy had a controlling mother and sister and a boss who would always let him work extra and he couldn't say no. We had to do video training. I had to be the boss and make him work and he had to say no. Me: Can you work saturday please? Him: no. Me after a while of him continually saying no and having no problem whatsoever to tell me no: pleaaaaaaaase??? I will give you money and candy. Nope.
Erik Granqvist 7 years ago
Not knowing how to say no put me on sick leave due to fatigue. That was some 20 months ago. I am not back as of yet, more then a very few hours a week. Just learn to say no. Its extremley expensive not to - both to you and your employer.
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
They should at least offer a decent financial incentive to do the extra hours and if someone still isn't available just drop it. Bosses are obsessed with their businesses 24/7 - employees have lives outside work.
Michelle Pitsiokos 7 years ago
SMH. Where do I start? Gen-X here. The reason why you're still living in your parents' home is because you're lazy. Don't blame it on your parents. Even if they allow it, deep down you know the right thing to do. I started working at 14. I paid for my own car. Bought my first house at 23 because I worked overtime to earn the extra money for a down payment. If I were your boss and you refused I would ask you to find employment elsewhere. You all whine about the economy, your bad luck, society, whine, whine, whine. Get off of your lazy butts, leave the coffee shop and at least TRY to make us proud of you and began to restore a little faith in your generation. Stop bitching and start a revolution!
Craig Lee 7 years ago
Every millennial that works with my company, will barely work a 40 hour week. Forget working weekends, they won't even do that if they miss a day during the week. I'm wondering where these so called "Over worked" millennials are. Because they barely put in any effort at my job.
Stille20 7 years ago
I have to disagree with the premise. From my personal experience, Millennials have no problem saying they won't come in on their day off. They also tend to complain when they don't get enough hours. Pick a struggle. Disclaimer: I am a millennial and I understand "my experience" doesn't equal fact.
Adam Alber 7 years ago
Just don't complain and cry discrimination when that "someone else" that comes in for you is the one who gets promoted.
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