Was i right or wrong in this work related situation?

Today my boss told me his boss needed 2 people to work tomorrow at the last minute. The reason? The original 2 that where supposed to work tomorrow couldn't show up so i was asked. I told him i wouldn't do it even though i do need the money. Why? To me it was principle. a few months ago back in May there was a similar offer & i told them i would do it. when the day came my boss told me that his boss at the last minute didn't want me doing it b/c he said he heard from another co worker(who i found out was one who doesn't like me) that i messed up on an assignment the last time i was asked to work overtime even though that wasn't true. So i was cast aside at the last minute when i needed some serious overtime that weekend b/c of a lying co worker. Now I'm supposed to now say yes only b/c his original picks weren't going to be available & couldn't find anyone else ? To me if that didn't happen i wouldn't have even been considered to begin with. Was i right or wrong for this decision?

Dog Star2013-08-24T18:59:32Z

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Now I don't know your work environment but from what I gather from your question there are a lot of games played... if that is the case I am terribly sorry.... I wouldn't necessary consider a different job as suggested by a different user, just because you'll have some sort of problems where ever you go.

You did what's right by you at the moment so there is no point in looking back at your decision now with regret, but remember "principle" doesn't pay the bill... Don't hold on to what ever happened in the past. If my boss offered me over time I would take it without question, of course I'm greedy and I know I can set that money aside for a rainy day.

The best thing you can do if there are games in the work place is stick to yourself, don't get involved and worry about you... to clarify I mean make decisions that make you an asset to your company and make you invaluable... learn the job like the back of your hand and make yourself as readily available as possible, reliability is a rare commodity these days and your employer will see that.

5 ft 7 Texas Heaven2013-08-23T19:03:33Z

Unfortunately it goes a bit deeper than should I or shouldn't I? You've expressed issues regarding your job in the past, and in some regards there may be kiss up employee's who seem to garner the favor of the layers of bosses.

While the bottom line might be valid and last minute is either a test or real regarding loyalty, to say yes might insure some level of security OR suggest you'll do anything to keep your job. It sounds like the motive of the company has little if anything to do with the employee, only getting a job done, and if your neck is lined up for the chopping block, you can believe so are the necks of others at higher stations than yours.

The fact that there are those around you who don't like you, doesn't distract from your ability, but if bosses listened to every bit of water cooler gossip being spewed, then perhaps they should work elsewhere. While the disharmony may seem superficial, your concern should be in keeping your job, or believing that the next job you apply for will find you have the qualifications and a fair recommendation. "Doesn't play well with others." is hardly mature.

?2013-08-23T18:32:52Z

Hmm...well this is a tough one. First of all, it would depend what your boss said to you in your conversation with the first incident. Did he believe the trouble maker that said you messed up? First I would get that part straight. Then, I would tell him I needed to think about it. I never answer people right away without thinking or (praying) about it. Then I would analyze how much I needed the money. If I felt I truly did, I may say Yes but I would add that I did not appreciate how the other incident was handled and that I wanted to talk to him further on it. I would try to keep relations good with the boss, even if deep down inside you do not respect him as much as you would like. It just goes better for you in the long run.

Anonymous2013-08-23T17:26:13Z

My friend, I can see both sides of the coin. This is my thinking on the matter. First of all thank God you have a job since so many are unemployed. I think you should accept the overtime and let the past be in the past. It will show your boss and his boss your are not a petty person and you are willing to cooperate which will serve to show them you take your job seriously.

If the prior situation arises again, I would approach your boss and fill him in on the details and let him take it to his boss. Of course it depends on well you trust your boss to relay accurate facts. Bottom line, do what you think is best for you.

No one should be a doormat but being humble will get you kudos in the long run.

The Mick 72013-08-24T14:13:21Z

You were absolutely correct! This "team or family" concept at work is a bunch of crap. Personal feelings should never enter into a working situation. If there was a question about you, the head boss should have address the situation with you directly. Instead he took the word of someone else. To me that is failure in his responsibility as a boss.

If this is the atmosphere you have to work in it might be a good idea to start looking elsewhere.

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