Personal Phone Call at Work???

jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 07:44
Last edited 17/02/2016 - 19:37

I have a office job and going through some personal issues at the moment which required making phone calls at business hours:

  1. Mum is having a knee surgery in public hospital - need to call and arrange appointments.

  2. Two year old son just went to childcare and cry near 2 hours before he goes.- need to call and check how is he going

  3. Mother in law 's house got flooded - she have mental issue and forgets who she is, however she can always remember me. I am a bit worried if she call me from a mobile as she might got lost.

  4. Car accident not at fault - need to organize my car to get fix also rental car so I can go to work

  5. Part of house need to be fix through insurance and they play up on some items.

I have seen colleague making long phone calls or working from home, however my manager asked me to sort out personal issues at personal time and can not work from home even after I have told him the hardship that I have been through.

I am being paid extremely low salary compare to market rate, however it is 5 min to home and childcare is next door to work. Most important thing is I do love the nature of our business and the personality of our director.Also, I have stay back at work and work on one Saturday recently. I have worked late sometimes until 9pm previously before I got family issues.

Any suggestions? Should I change my full time job to part time?

Education & Work

Comments

  • modsec802 on 17/02/2016 - 08:08
    +28

    Can you do these in your lunch break?

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 09:05

      I have lunch at my desk in front of PC, so that I can get more work done when I am at work.

      • dogboy on 17/02/2016 - 10:12
        +38

        Well you want to make personal phone calls at work and have been told it must be done in personal time. Lunch time is personal time during business hours. I don't see what the problem is here.

      • kryptoz on 17/02/2016 - 22:13
        +2

        I feel your pain — on at least one day of the week, I plan NOT to bring my lunch, then on that day I am forced to go out (from 1-2pm) and make whatever calls, run errands, etc that I need to. Often Saturday is not enough, and lunchtime is not the ideal time to make calls, as many people aren't available on the phone during that time, but it's a good start.
        If your boss/manager is pushing you to work late or come in on weekends, just tell them politely that you can't make it because you have to attend to some personal matters — that puts the onus on them to allow you personal time during business hours. If they are unwilling to allow you to make important calls during business hours (ie Mon-Fri 9-5), they won't be able to get you to work after hours or on weekends.

        • jiaqi518 on 19/02/2016 - 11:50

          I have just start to have lunch home now as home is just 5 mins away.

          Thanks very much:)

        • KaTst3R on 19/02/2016 - 18:54

          @jiaqi518:

          I used to live in the city and work is about 7 mins walk away from home. I love going home for lunch and have a short nap. You will feel much better for the second half of the day.

          PS: Due to the nature of my work, I do overtime almost everyday so dont judge…

      • Cyphar on 18/02/2016 - 13:28
        +6

        I have lunch at my desk in front of PC, so that I can get more work done when I am at work

        Don't do that. Your lunch break is your time to unwind. You'll send yourself to an early grave with that added stress. Have your lunch by your desk, by all means, but shut yourself off. Put on some headphones, play some tunes and relax.

        You don't get paid during that time so don't work for free.

        • GameChanger on 18/02/2016 - 13:31
          +4

          I rather go home 1 hour early.

        • Cyphar on 18/02/2016 - 14:37
          +2

          @GameChanger:

          If your work allows it, great. I work in IT so I am not afforded that luxury.

        • bhm133 on 18/02/2016 - 20:41
          +2

          @GameChanger:
          Then that is a good time to make calls.

  • Ash-Say on 17/02/2016 - 08:09
    +46

    Your manager is being d***head. Change the job.

    • pointless martyr on 18/02/2016 - 13:00

      Excellent advice..

      Listen to this track by the dead kennedys on the way to work one day then do whatever comes natural

      http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/deadkennedys/wellpaidscentist…

      • kma on 18/02/2016 - 20:14

        As a manager, I can tell you that I'm responsible for the work done by my direct reports and it's not personal.
        We all have personal issues, I understand. If it's few and far between, it's okay to make a personal phone call but if it's affecting the work, my hands are tied, and I'm not being a (profanity)!
        May be his job can't be done from home. Have you thought about that from the managements prospective?

        You can take take time off, can go out in lunch breaks and talk, anF as you sad in one of your posts, work flexible hours.

        • goraygo on 19/02/2016 - 19:46
          +11

          As a manager myself, I let my employees sort out their lives as priority. If they can't sort out their lives first, they can't be efficient workers.

          When I allow time for my employees to sort out their stuffs, I earned not just their loyalties but also their efficiency back.

          Your hands aren't tied, you just have to demonstrate your team can deliver. Not one person can deliver or not.

          Think about it, an engaging team is so much more productive than a 9-6 team.

          Ops sounded like a responsible worker and deserved to have that little time to sort the stuffs out.

        • kma on 19/02/2016 - 20:52

          @goraygo: if one is takin person calls what affect will that have on the other team members? What if they all want that?

        • goraygo on 20/02/2016 - 06:24
          +1

          @kma: depends what manager are you.

          If you are productivity based then you shouldn't care. As long as the work is done on due date.

          If you are call center, then the strict rule need to apply.

          There is always a way to give employee time to sort their stuffs out.

        • kma on 20/02/2016 - 11:56

          "There is always a way to give employee time to sort their stuffs out."

          That's exactly what I'm saying! Flexible hours, time off.. they are all examples of the same.

      • bhm133 on 18/02/2016 - 20:43

        @ pointless comment

        This is funner
        https://youtu.be/3jHQqcky_Aw

        • pointless martyr on 18/02/2016 - 23:04
          -2

          good track…i just wanted him to work himself up to "punch the boss"

          That would have been funner

        • bhm133 on 19/02/2016 - 06:17

          @pointless comment:
          Thi could work.
          https://youtu.be/aCiYmCVikjo

        • pointless martyr on 19/02/2016 - 12:18

          @bhm133: hmmm…unless Op also sleeps at the office, lynching the landlord may involve an innocent person getting hurt

        • bhm133 on 20/02/2016 - 08:45

          @pointless comment:

          I'll just link the whole album…

          I blame you for making me resurrect Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables…:p Wonderful memories of that album and my childhood. Stealing people's mail did give me ideas as a kid.

        • pointless martyr on 20/02/2016 - 12:47
          +1

          @bhm133: music just aint as good these days. Pity that jello and the others cant get along - would love to see them live

          Its also a pity that they never made a track about personal phone calls at the office

  • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2016 - 08:24
    +4

    id find another job
    i had a (profanity) of a manager and moved on
    never been happier

  • eqv on 17/02/2016 - 08:25
    +5

    Ask for a flexible working arrangement? If you're a carer, you are eligible to request this. By law, employers can only refuse these requests on reasonable business grounds. https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employee-entitlements/flexibilit…

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 19:46

      My manager said flexible time is fine with him, however I can not take phone calls for the time that I am there to work.

      I can not decide when the hospital call or decide when my mother in law having a memory lost or childcare call me to pick up my sick kid.

      • eqv on 18/02/2016 - 00:07
        +2

        You could also consider taking carer's leave if you think that it will take some times to sort things out.
        https://www.fairwork.gov.au/leave/sick-and-carers-leave

        Otherwise, try going outside when picking up the phone? Lots of ppl take a smoking break, I don't see why you're not allowed to take short breaks a well to take your personal calls.

      • RnO on 20/02/2016 - 05:33

        join a union and protect yourself. it is also a good card to pull if management go further or if you need sound advice from a professional or industrial lawyer. it's hard to know the degree to which you are taking time away from work and also if it is reasonable in the role you are in but i do think it has to be fair and flexibility from both ends. if other people are doing it, but you are being the one singled out, this is an issue and could lead to harrassment/bullying if continued by management. you may want to bring up if others have been told to not take any calls etc or just yourself. also if you feel uncomfortable in a convo, ask for you to bring someone else in to sit with you. and making notes is always a bonus. sorry if I'm freaking you out but you need to be aware of where it could go if not sorted out now. in saying that, you also need to do the right thing and be flexible where you can if you expect it back from them. use your lunch break away from your desk to do personal things, or ask management if you can forgo lunch break so that you can make a few calls at another stage of the day. take your paid rest breaks (dependant on shifts and your Award- 1-2 10 or 15 min paid breaks per day) and organise to conduct personal stuff within them. if you do these things, you may find management less tight arse in regards to telling you you cant take any calls at work etc.also get your mum to call you mobile not your work. same with childcare. it doesnt stand out so much and it's do a lot to take the focus off you, which sounds like what you need right now. hope this helps and hope you take my advice.

  • djones145 on 17/02/2016 - 08:28
    +15

    man u have too much going on
    got any leave? I would take some leave and sort some things out

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 09:06
      +4

      Yes. I have told them I need time off next month so that I could be in the hospital with mum.

  • geek001 on 17/02/2016 - 09:40
    +21

    I think your manager needs to understand that people are not robots and people do have a life outside of work. Your circumstances doesn't sound like it will last forever perhaps maybe work something out with your manager in the meantime. If you have explained to your manager your circumstances and he is still being a d**k about it, perhaps it is time to think about how much the company values you as an employee.

  • bobbified on 17/02/2016 - 10:16
    +5

    I have seen colleague making long phone calls or working from home, however my manager asked me to sort out personal issues at personal time and can not work from home.

    My first thought after reading the was… how is your performance compared to your colleague's? How long have you been at your job for? Long enough that your manager can trust you to get your job done? Do you have a history of getting your job done on time?

    Salary really has nothing to do with what you can and can't do at work. The amount is something you've accepted already for the hours they've specified.

    I find that trust comes over a period of time.

    I personally hate being micro-managed and every time I start a new job, I make a point of being able to get my work done on time and not need to be told to do things. For that, I get awesome flexibility. So it's always a give and take for me.

    My office is very very relaxed because management trusts us to get things done. There was one lady however, who decided to speak really loudly and argue with her boyfriend on the phone in an open plan office on numerous occasions… despite being relaxed, i think it's not hard to guess what happened to her.

    It sounds harsh, but it does seem like you have a lot going on in your life.. perhaps it'll help to be a little discreet when you do personal things in the office and don't let it look like it affects your work.

    • Phoebus on 17/02/2016 - 14:37
      +4

      It's all about context.
      No reasonable manager would mind if you're on the phone, facebook or playing golf so long as you're kicking all your goals on time.

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 20:11

      I am one of the newest team member and I have been there for 9 mths now. The newest staff just became one of the managers and I found my own manager have changed a lot since then. The staff on the phone longer than me work there over one year.

      My manager have assigned unreasonable amount of work to me in written recently however told me to ignore those deadlines - how wired??

      Also he keep changing the priority level of my tasks recently as well. He ask me to do task B immediately when I am doing task A, which he said he need it now. I am leaving task A unfinished to do ask B as he told, he then came back and asked why task B is not finished. I worked back late to make up the time I dropped off my car at the repairer. I finished both urgent tasks before I left work. My manager said he want to have a word with our director about my poor performance.

      I have told my manager that had an arrangement with our director last year as I know that I am going to have some hardship in my personal life. And then my manager seems to go back to normal today.

      My manager was pretty good before and helped me a lot at work. He always work extremely hard 2am. He never put so much pressure and unreasonable before.

      Anyone know what is going on???

      • Ughhh on 17/02/2016 - 22:30
        +8

        Anyone know what is going on???

        If you post your manager's phone number, I'm sure one of us can give him a call and suss it out "wazzup, y u mean to jiaqi?"

        • Ughhh on 18/02/2016 - 21:20
          +1

          lol if anyone thought I was being serious, you must have a two digit IQ at best :)

        • mmd on 19/02/2016 - 02:09
          +1

          @Ughhh:
          Balanced it out for u :)

        • Slippery Fish on 19/02/2016 - 02:10

          @Ughhh: An iq is like golf right? The lower the better, and when you hit a hole in 1 everyone cheers. Lol no body likes an iq of 1…

      • bobbified on 17/02/2016 - 23:31
        +3

        Is this your first office job? Unfortunately, there's one thing they always leave out of job descriptions. So in addition to everything listed, you also have this game called "office politics". Life can quickly become difficult at work if you don't play it right.

        He ask me to do task B immediately when I am doing task A, which he said he need it now. I am leaving task A unfinished to do ask B as he told, he then came back and asked why task B is not finished.

        In your example here, if priorities are changed (it happens quite often and that's just the nature of work - sometimes more urgent things come up and you've got to put your other "urgent" things aside). But if it was me and my manager came along and told me to drop Urgent A to do Urgent B, I'd actually say to him that if Urgent B is prioritised, then Urgent A is going to have to pushed back. That way, if he comes around to question why Urgent A hasn't been done, I can remind him of the conversation we had earlier.

        There's many reasons why people change - perhaps he feels that he needs to do something to compete with this new manager and is now putting pressure on his own team, etc. Or it could be that he's got his own personal problems that you don't know of.

        If you can, try and have a regular catchup with your boss… whether it's weekly, fortnightly or even monthly - if possible, away from the office like a coffee shop or something so everyone's more relaxed. It'll give you an opportunity to discuss any matters you might have in mind before things get out too big and too hard to deal with.

        At work, you're the one that needs to set the expectations. It's often better to under-promise and over-deliver, than over-promise and under-deliver.

        Also, remember that work is work.. you and your boss have the same goal - ie, to get all the work done and get out of the office so don't make look at it as "me vs him" - because your boss will win. Look at it as though you're working together.

      • simulacrum on 19/02/2016 - 11:26

        Make an appointment and have a chat with your director. Make it clear that you don't want your manager to think you're complaining about him, but you think you're a hard worker, you're being treated unfairly and would like some advice.

        Bring some examples of work being reprioritised on the fly without warning. Explain the lack of understanding about your personal situation despite teh fact that you work through lunch and come in on the weekend and after hours, and even when you're running a fever, because you know there are urgent tasks.

      • goraygo on 19/02/2016 - 19:53
        +1

        Sounded like he is making a case to kick you out. Time to look for a job elsewhere.

      • SeVeN11 on 20/02/2016 - 00:35

        You're manager is trying to work you out the business given that he threatens/has talked to his manager regarding your performance.

        Have you pissed him off recently?

        Have you screwed up something recently?

        Why is he staying back till 2am? Is he fixing up or doing your work?

        Has he recently given you tasks via email instead of verbally? i.e in written form

        Do those written tasks have clear objectives that can be measured easily with a deadline that can be used as ecidence during performance management?

        Remember just because you think you work hard doesn't mean he does. Unfortunately your manager will always be right because he is the one who assess your work.

        I think you need to chill out and find another manager either change role or change job. There is no easy way out of this one unless you have friends in high places.

        If you want to piss your boss off and also make your life miserable, you can start documenting everything.

        White a diary of task he has given you with date and time. The action you took or deliverable.

        This way you will have evidence to support any false claim made on you by him and make it more difficult to fire you… Obviously this won't be fun, but if you need time to find another job and under financial stressed this may be a option to buy time if it abruptly gets shorten.

  • Cheeper on 17/02/2016 - 10:33
    +2

    I have worked in places where there was one or two people that constantly had a run of never ending dramas and were forever on the phone… it was a pain for the boss and also the others who had to carry their workload.
    Everyone has dramas, but dont forget… that employer is paying you to "work" not sort your personal life.
    If you continue, chances are you will end up with another drama… no job.
    The choices are yours… continue like you are and get fired, get another job where they wont mind you being on the phone all the time sorting personal issues (good luck with that) or clean your act up.
    How would you like to be paying a tradesman an hourly rate to do work for you and he spent a heap of time on the phone? Different? It is not…

    • [Deactivated] on 17/02/2016 - 13:08
      +5

      you obviously don't know the full story
      acting like a knob here does nothing for your ego

      dont tell anyone that youve never taken a personal call at work

      id hate to work with you

      • rambao9 on 17/02/2016 - 14:00
        +1

        No one knows the full story…

        However, using your phone during work time is wrong.

        It does not matter whether or not your colleague uses the phone for long periods or not. Using the phone itself is wrong.

        That's like a kids argument where kids would use excuses like "she was just doing that" to cover up for themselves

        If you're late, then you are late. There is no, I am not the latest.

      • Seraphin7 on 18/02/2016 - 09:41
        +10

        The story that is presented is that the OP would like to arrange a number of personal issues during work hours. The boss has said this is not acceptable. These are the facts that are presented.

        Maybe the boss could be more flexible, maybe not … the nature of the work environment is not clear.

        As a boss I appreciate people have personal dramas that occur from time to time and attempt to accommodate wherever possible. That said, the business needs to operate and that means people need to do the jobs they are paid to do. That doesn't mean "no personal phone calls", but it does mean that I expect people to basically be doing their jobs during their agreed hours of work and not organising their lives in a way that detracts from their performance.

        • ntt on 19/02/2016 - 18:19

          Well said. A good boss always know that if employee has so much problems in his life, he can't use his 100% mind focus on work. But if he always gets trouble,….well

        • BartholemewH on 19/02/2016 - 19:29

          Hear, hear.

  • Donaldhump on 17/02/2016 - 10:39
    +10

    look after your personal life, and if that requires calls from work, just start early/finish late.
    If people/manager complains then stand up for yourself, and say you cant help the situation but you are starting early etc….
    i find those who complain the most, are the main offenders.
    if they complain more just chuck sickies

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 21:05
      -1

      I start early or finish late and skip lunch when I need to sort things out, even work on a Sat as well…

      I have got a fever from my son, who have got the virus from childcare. However I went to work still as I know that a few tasks are pretty urgent. My manager need the data for a meeting.

      My manager did not appreciate that I came to work on Monday when I am sick and not happy with my performance…

      I felt that I got a broken heart :(

      • Donaldhump on 18/02/2016 - 10:11

        Just tell him/her next time you will call in sick when your sick, if he doesn't appreciate yourself coming in sick.

        I'd have no problem with staff coming in at 7am instead of 9, if they needed to take 2-3 hours at lunch to sort sh*t out, as long as was legitimate and you didn't want to simulate the life of a spanish shop keeper, as long as work gets done, and if not come in Saturday and finish it. Possibly its people perception that your not there, but its always the ones that make sly remarks that you leave at 4 instead of 5 that have no idea that you came in at 7, whilst they were sleeping.

        Don't let it bother you to much, its just a job, and I know everyone needs money, but its just a job, always another one, not worth losinjg your mental health over. Don't let a bad/mean manager make you feel lousy, can garuntee if he/she needed time off for same issues it would be taken no questions asked

        i have a good manager at my work, so I appreciate it.

      • catbrain on 19/02/2016 - 14:20
        +3

        Please, never go to work if you are sick, particularly with something contagious. Your manager did not appreciate it because you could have passed that illness on to other workers, thereby making the business less productive. Your co-workers will not appreciate it either if you transmit an illness to them.

        Also, if you have a doctor's certificate for the illness which absents you from work, it is an OH&S issue and you absolutely should not be going to work - if you have an accident and you were supposed to be off work, there are repercussions for any kind of compensation for medical fees and the business insurance premiums.

  • pointless martyr on 17/02/2016 - 11:24
    +6

    Have you seem fight club?

    It has step by step instructions how to permanently work from home

  • windale on 17/02/2016 - 14:05
    +2

    I would spell it out to your manager and ask if you can take a half day off (paid or unpaid) and just get your shite sorted out then you can get on with your job and not be distracted. Let him know in future that for every minute you are on a personal call, during work hours, you will spend an extra minute at work. We all need to deal with personal stuff at work now and again.

    Just speak to him, I am sure he will be understanding.

  • Randxyz123 on 17/02/2016 - 14:14
    +1

    As someone else said instead of having your lunch at your desk go to a cafe or somewhere near by (possibly back home?) and make your personal calls then.

    Perhaps ask your boss extremely nicely if you could take a morning off to try and sort out some of the stuff you have going on or have a extended lunch break. If that means sacrificing a entire Saturday to make up time do so.

    Work out a compromise(finish later, work a couple of saturdays etc etc) your boss would have to be a bit of a d*** to not allow this.

    Having said all this sorting out the insurance claims and your mother's doctors appointments over your lunch break shouldn't actually be that difficult… I don't get why you aren't doing that.

  • KB2 on 17/02/2016 - 15:02

    Does your management know what's going on in your life? I agree that they are being harsh but maybe they don't know the extent of what you are trying to deal with?

    • jiaqi518 on 17/02/2016 - 21:07

      I have told him two weeks ago…

      He said your family need you, but work needs you too.

      You are here to work.

      • ssjwill on 18/02/2016 - 12:30
        +1

        Yeah, but what's more important to you? Work or family?

        • harkoliar on 19/02/2016 - 15:27

          Maybe she needs work to provide for family.

          It's not that easy for all people to just quit if they have minimal savings and several problems to deal with that require financial support.

      • SeVeN11 on 20/02/2016 - 00:37

        Your boss is a D**k

      • CandyMan on 20/02/2016 - 18:21

        Maybe your boss is taking advantage of you abd knows you wont complain. If he relies on the work you do try telling him your considering leaving your job and his response might change.

        This is general advice as I don't know the nature of your work environment

        A reasonable person will allow you to take calls during work as long as it doesn't affect your performance

  • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2016 - 08:06

    The only reason the manager would say this is probably due to it affecting your work. Try and ensure you're doing both

    Otherwise take annual leave

    Don't forget they're paying you when they could be paying someone else

  • GameChanger on 18/02/2016 - 12:32
    -1

    Just make the phone calls during work.

    Then when the sack you play the unfair dismissal card.

  • herysoe on 18/02/2016 - 12:36

    take a sickie and sort out all your stuff, moved on..

  • Blackadda on 18/02/2016 - 13:36
    +1

    Why would you want to 'work from home' if you are 5 minutes away, that is just abusing the employment.
    If you don't like your job, quit.

    Alternatively put a piece of paper on your desk and record the start and finish time of each call and show them that you make up the time appropriately. Also ensure your calls are not distracting to others or imposing on meetings/group work.

    • Donaldhump on 18/02/2016 - 14:38
      +1

      i work from home and live next door.
      i save the company money on electricity and dunny paper.

      • pmupsinep on 19/02/2016 - 16:49

        And also get a shitload of tax deductions.

        • Donaldhump on 19/02/2016 - 16:50

          yep, i can see my hosue from work, i drive home for a poo and a quick smoke

    • McFly on 18/02/2016 - 14:54

      Why would you want to 'work from home' if you are 5 minutes away, that is just abusing the employment.

      What a strange statement.

      • Blackadda on 18/02/2016 - 15:40
        -2

        not based on the fact the company 'refused' .. i'm saying most people in most professions work at the place of employment… working from home is something generally done for more mobile workforces or as a benefit to the employee (not denying the mutual benefits unclesnake points out)

        The OP is 'complaining' that she was refused the right to work from home when she lives 5 minutes away.. .what possible reason would she have to expect that right in the first place unless it was in reality to watch the kids or slack off and do other things (like take and make personal calls)

        • bobbified on 18/02/2016 - 17:14
          +3

          Heck.. I live 5 minutes from the office.. I'm not part of a mobile workforce (whatever your definition of that is) and I work from home a few times a week… I come and go from the office whenever I feel like it - 2 or 3 hour lunches and everything.

          Do you think that I'm abusing that "right"? I do sometimes, to be honest… but my manager realises that we're all adults and trusts us to manage our own work.

          What most people don't realise and don't see is, when there's something that needs to be done, we're all happy to work 24/7 until it's finished.. and noone will complain about it one bit.

          What do you think will happen if they say to all of us.. no more working from home and everyone has to be in the office between 9-5 and everoyne only gets a one hour lunch break?
          If they did that, everyone would be out the door at 5:01pm every day. Boss says there's something urgent? Well, he can take care of it himself - we're all going home!

          It's all about give and take.

        • McFly on 18/02/2016 - 17:28
          +1

          It's all about give and take.

          Exactly what I was going to say!

        • Blackadda on 19/02/2016 - 13:19

          @bobbified:

          you sound more like a contractor than an employee or you work in IT.
          Most white collar jobs are not compatible with high amounts of "work from home"

          Im a bit like you working variable hours but work from home is pretty rare as it means Im less available for face to face communication, I only do it to either save the long commute or because I need some quiet time that is harder to get in the office.

          My only point about the OP was I can't see why she wanted to work form home other than to continue doing the things her employer clearly doesn't want her doing in her working hours. its a 2 way street though so if its not working for one party the other can move on.

          In my experience the people I've seen 'work from home' that are in standard employer / employee relationships are usually doing so to be home with kids or to simply not do much work. Hence the 'work' part of 'work from home' is more of a cover than a reason.

        • bobbified on 19/02/2016 - 15:16

          @Blackadda:

          I definitely don't fit your criteria…

          I'm not a contractor, nor do I work in IT. I don't have any kids or anything either.

          My job revolves around projects and the teams are often based in different cities so it doesn't matter whether we're in the office or not. I generally only go in on the days I have meetings - I prefer face to face than over the phone.

          What you're referring to seems to be the roles that involve daily deadlines, like administration or operations/processing. They're the roles that might be a little more difficult to work from home - but even then, the company I work for allows it.

  • fozzie on 18/02/2016 - 17:40

    Quit and find a better job, or part time if you can afford it.

  • [Deactivated] on 18/02/2016 - 17:43

    Only the first option is really valid for making a call on your employer's time. The others should be done in your personal time (lunch, "smoke breaks", commute to and from, or at home), or answered if you are the recipient of the phone call not the caller.

  • benbarren on 18/02/2016 - 18:53
    +1

    easy. smile and say u will do what u can and keep delivering high results. then open seek dot com dot au and get the fk out of dodge quickly.
    you appear a very important support structure for family (maybe too much) but your boss is an absolute tool.
    smile and seek a new tool to work for or find something u can do that u can control on your own time.
    maybe time for an uber license ?

  • alikazi on 18/02/2016 - 18:53
    +5

    I'll tell you only one thing. If you always put yourself second, you teach others that you come second.

  • DiscoJango on 18/02/2016 - 19:29
    -1

    put iphone headphones on, looks like your listing to music, but actually having a phone conversation.

  • mousie on 18/02/2016 - 20:15

    Be upfront and say that I am expecting such and such a call to arrange for this.

    Be reasonable.. You won't be able to solve all of these issues from your work. For more intensive coordination days use your carers leave.

    How long have you been working there?

    Admittedly the manager has to advise you of company policy.

    Yes it might appear a little micro management but can you change their thought processes?

    Flexibility is a two way street and follows courtesy.

  • Aust on 18/02/2016 - 20:16

    Do you have a partner to help with these issues?
    Is there a sibling to help with the mother?
    Good luck with it all

  • Kevan2 on 18/02/2016 - 20:21

    Smartphone is not smart look. Have you been seen useing emails, Facebook,ozbargain posts on phone as well as phone calls. If you have a direct line programe the phone to direct the calls directly to your office line. Ensure you decommission that when not at desk.

    Keep mgr in loop maybe ask their advice. Don't know the person nondicks like to be hero's. Good luck. But seems you should stay under the radar for awhile.

  • c9 on 18/02/2016 - 22:52

    Just chuck in a sickie. Carer leaves are part of sick leaves.

  • zealmax on 18/02/2016 - 23:33
    +1

    My work promotes calling family. They realise you work more efficiently when your family relationship is good. I would look for an employer who supports you better.

    • grasstown on 19/02/2016 - 01:15
      -2

      1, 4, 5 aren't family calls. I think the employer would be more tolerant if it was just 2 and 3

  • grasstown on 19/02/2016 - 01:12
    +1

    1, 2, 4, 5 do in personal time (morning tea, arvo tea, lunch, pre/post work)

    All those things can take ages to sort. Step out of the office. Don't use your work phone. It doesn't make a difference that you work late.

    3 ok at work, as you're not making but taking calls. Also understandable

  • ro0sta on 19/02/2016 - 01:22

    Personal time is 10-15 min breaks x 2 and a lunch break. There's a minimum amount of time per day by law an employer must give you for break time…I'd use that time for the phone calls and, while you're at it, grab a breath of fresh air. If you're under stress and have a lot going on - get away from the desk and the very THOUGHT of work during that period…

    As a manager myself managing office staff in a similar environment, I personally don't mind the odd personal call as long as (a) it doesn't affect your work or output and (b) is infrequent ie: doesn't become an ongoing habit and where applicable (c) isn't excessive calls that may be international and running up the company phone bill. We are all human and all deal with these problems, but as an employee, we need to know how and when is the best time to deal with those problems

  • ronnknee on 19/02/2016 - 09:09

    Sounds like you've already made up your mind about changing to part time or even jobs, and you just want our approval.

  • pana on 19/02/2016 - 10:26

    This is may be rude and not PC but….(WARNING TRUTH BELOW)

    This is why business owners hire single men over women with either young families or just about to start a family.

    Business owners don't want hassle, a sob story or having worry about how you are feeling today.

    They just want the job done.

    This is especially true for small business owners with their own money one the line.

    People may not speak about this openly but behind closed doors ANY business owner will tell you this.

    Sorry for the truth bombs. Hope this helps

    • zealmax on 19/02/2016 - 11:56
      +2

      I would personally hire someone that is in an established family. Much more reliable. Family is a big motivator to do good work. Singles, live a carefree life. They are less interested in holding down a long term job.

    • chumlee on 19/02/2016 - 18:36
      +2

      I do a lot of work with small business owners and majority of them have NFI how to run a business. They may be good at their trade/profession but struggle to run a business and just want to complain about high costs, red tape blah blah. When I ask for a business plan they give me a blank look.

      If they employ men just because of worry about women getting pregnant or taking time off for family reasons than they are not considering the best candidate for the role but settling for the most convenient person

      • BartholemewH on 19/02/2016 - 19:38

        I agree with this 100%.

        EDIT: I also agree that women of child bearing age, particularly single mothers, will be overlooked constantly by small/medium business.

      • wyrmy on 20/02/2016 - 16:52
        +1

        Sometimes it just takes one or two bad experiences with big consequences and inconvenience to ruin an employers perception of a group. Its a lazy shortcut but something a lot of people do anyway (business or otherwise). I personally know two mothers who got new jobs knowing they were going to get pregnant within a couple of months and the new job will give them maternity leave benefits. I also know one girl who moved her planned pregnancy ahead by a couple of years to avoid losing her job because she had inside knowledge that her department was about to go through redundancies in 6 months. At the same time I also know and worked with plenty of unreliable uncommitted young singles who changed jobs every few months and waste employer time in training and up skilling.

        Does this affect my hiring decisions? Yes and No, it depends on how they respond in interviews.

        A lot of people form their perceptions based on previous bad personal experiences which affected their business or employment directly.

    • toffee on 20/02/2016 - 08:12

      I'll agree that women tend to have the greater commitments around children (though my wife and I are 50/50).

      But problems with "how they are feeling today"? What a backward view of women! And men for that matter.

      ANY business owner will not tell you they would rather hire single men. Some might, others will understand that different people regardless of gender have different qualities and life brings different experiences to the table.

      There's a reason that most businesses see diversity as important and it's not Political Correctness (gone maaaad).

  • p1 ama on 20/02/2016 - 02:19
    +1

    I just thought I would chime in here, having been on the opposite end of this.

    There was a place I worked at where a person near me would be on the phone quite regularly about personal matters and it was quite distracting to me. My work required concentration (it's predominantly problem solving, so you really have to get in the 'zone') and with this person talking in the background, I just found it difficult to get the focus I needed to work effectively.

    I ended up just reading the news and waiting for them to finish. Whilst it doesn't actually annoy me all that much (I'm a pretty easygoing and understanding person), I can see how someone who isn't so chill would find it problematic.

    Ultimately, when you're at work, you are there to work and even if you don't have anything to do, at least let other people do their work. What I would do in your situation is to take a break when you want to make your calls. Go grab a coffee and sit in the kitchen and make those calls or just go for a simple walk. You'll keep your manager's attention off you, you won't distract anyone and you'll get to make the phone calls you need to.

    What you didn't mention, though, is how much time all of this takes up. If you're talking about a few minutes each day, just follow my advice, get up and go make yourself a coffee and talk when you're boiling the water. If this is taking up an hour or more of time each day then it will be an issue. I can actually understand how 10 min or so on each call and you're already down 50 mins to an hour. I don't know about you, but if you're at work 8 hours a day and you're spending 12.5% of that on the phone re. personal matters, it's not hard for me to see why it'd be an issue.

    Ultimately, I think the question in your title and your body are completely different. Your title 'personal phone call at work' makes it sound infrequent and as if you are getting in trouble for making singular phone calls. However, in truth, this is multitudes of personal phone calls (i.e. plural, not singular as per your title) and it is more than basically what anyone would be making. So I can see why there is a cause for concern there.

  • toffee on 20/02/2016 - 08:04
    +1

    The advice you've had from your manager is very unsupportive but I guess we don't know the full story. Not even much about the nature of your work.

    I have plenty of things on my plate (bizarrely most of the items you mention) and have a pretty intense job. Balancing that with all the kid pickups, drop offs, kids activities and dramas is a real challenge.

    Again, I don't know the full story for you but it doesn't sound unmanageable. I suspect you need to have a good think about what's important and actually make time for them and communicate them.

    Calling to check on a 2 year old at childcare? They all cry but you put your kid there so you could work. That's one activity you can ditch. If there's an issue then childcare will call you. If work are seeing that each day then you're sending a loud message that your mind is elsewhere.

    Your car fixes and rental insurance… Well they're short term. Make the time to solve them whether it's time off or the weekend. You'll feel better having them off your plate.

    Are you a single parent and only child? If not, get the other people in your life to pull their weight regarding your Mother and Mother in Law. While you go to all this effort, their jobs aren't at risk are they?

    Seems like you think you're best placed to solve every problem, but you're not going to be able to do everything. Delegate some tasks.

    And obviously speak to work again and explain that you have some short term issues to resolve, that you will still compete your work and full hours, and that you appreciate their support.

    If they are not supportive of that reasonable approach then, in addition to the above, you need to look for another job because you've got no future there.

  • betweenrows on 20/02/2016 - 14:51
    +2

    NEVER eat your lunch at your desk in an office. People will always come up to you and ask you to do this or that, or ask questions. Whether you bring lunch from home or not, go outside and enjoy the fresh air and take a break from staring at the screen. People never respect that it's lunch time, they simply see you at your desk and come over.

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