I admit, I’ve had a bad attitude.
Some people at my office work 8-5, most 8:30 – 5:30, which is what my hours used to be. But since the mornings were so slow, and I was doing soooo much overtime, I had my hours officially changed from 9 to 6. Well, some jealous women in my office complained – so I had to come in at 8:30, regardless of how late I work.
I have had a very bad attitude about this. I NEVER get out before 6, and often I work until 7 or 8 oclock. I feel like if I am expected to be so flexible about (unpaid) overtime, then they should also be flexible about the time I come in. Especially since the guys I am doing research & graphics for usually don’t even make it IN till 9 or later themselves!!
I am really angry and I think that is why I have been late so often.
Recently I have started being on time. Well, about 2 months now. It has had some very funny and unexpected benefits. The look on my boss’s face when he comes in and sees me at my desk is priceless. Lately he’s also started checking in on me – calling me at 8:35, for instance, to ask some totally inane question. It’s kind of fun to chirp “Good Morning” at him and listen to the stunned silence!!
The unexpected benefits? I had some car repairs this week and had to miss half a day – I offered to take half a vacation or sick day, and he told me not to worry about it. He’s also been letting me go home early quite a bit if things are slow. I rarely got to leave early before.
So right now I am being on time (or even early) because it is kind of a game to me (although the astonishment and pleased surprise from my boss makes me realize how much being late irritated him – and perhaps just how serious a transgression this was.) I just worry – when it quits being a game, and I become bored and resentful again, will I go back to being late?
