Life? What life?

[geoff-h -at- MTL -dot- FERIC -dot- CA]

 Steven Warren asked about the "Juggle Act", missing out on
 some of the events in your own life because of work
 commitments: <<Between the studying, the writing, and the
 reading of new technology, I sometimes find myself missing
 out on those walks on the beach, and the sunsets at night,
 and foremost the rain dancing off the streets.>>

 It's up to you to decide how much of this you'll accept.
 Before I was offered my current job, the big boss noted
 that FERIC doesn't pay for overtime; "a long day's work is
 a day's work", was the actual line. I responded that I had
 no problem with that when the delay was my fault or for
 occasional emergencies, but that consistent, ongoing
 overtime was their problem, and that they'd have to hire me
 some help if that became the normal situation. I got the
 job anyway. If I hadn't, I'd have looked elsewhere with few
 regrets. Employment is a two-way commitment, and I won't
 work for a company that has no intention of treating me as
 more than a disposable operating expense. Not everyone has
 that luxury.

 Have you discussed this problem with your own bosses to see
 whether there's a reasonable compromise? Sometimes it's
 just benign neglect or ignorance of your situation rather
 than a malicious attempt to work you to death and then
 replace you. Don't assume that the situation is either
 desirable to them or non-negotiable.

 --Geoff Hart     @8^{)}     geoff-h -at- mtl -dot- feric -dot- ca
 Disclaimer: Speaking for myself, not FERIC.

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