I got this job 5 months ago . When i was on the interview i was told the position is for a Secretary / light bookkeeping answering phones and light work here and there . 2 weeks later ; i found myself not only answering phone that ring every 5 seconds at least 4 lines at a time , i must run to my boss office and let him who calls for him everything before taking a message . I do bookkeeping for not only 1 company but his other company which involves property management , All of a sudden i find myself advertising homes for rent , calling up tenants everyday for rent $ maintaining maintenance , real estate taxes , evictions proceedings , communicating via email w lawyer’s etc ; ( which basically to me is a Property manager ) he is the landlord he owns at least 25 property that i have to make sure everything gets paid for , rent comes in no damage eviction court new tenants new lease etc…… on top of ” being a secretary/receptionist front desk . He doesn’t allow me a break which i do not get a lunch break , he does not allow me even 5 minutes to step out and get fresh air , which i didn’t know that and i didnt agree to these circumstances , Ita quite impossible to do anything cus he stands over my shoulder and expects me to produce something he wants in a matter o seconds its very stressful and on top of that he speaks very disrespectful towards me esp when i approach him calmly and explain to him that i felt disrespected in this or whatnot he tells em to cut my bullshyt .. IHe pays me salary straight , which i realized if he paid me by the hour he would owe me overtime . and after my taxes with my so called ” salary” i just barley make minimum wage for 43 hours a week 5 days a week and esp doing what i do ” and getting paid barley anything ..
what should i do , is he taking advantage of me , he is very intimidating towards me and always makes me feel like im wrong …
Judy said:
Oct 14, 09 at 2:58 amThe only thing that might be illegal here is not paying you overtime. If he sets your hours and where you work, you are most likely NOT exempt from federal OT laws even if you are salaried. Just being salaried doesn’t mean you aren’t required to be paid time and a half for hours over 40, although many people including many bosses wrongly think it does.
Other than that, the duties of the position are what they are, and your only recourse is to quit if you aren’t willing to do them.
Vova34 said:
Oct 14, 09 at 3:47 amyeah he is using you. When economy gets bad employers usually lay people of and the ones who stay get to work even harder for less money.
Finding a new job will probably be hard but from what i hear staying is even worse.
Shanks said:
Oct 14, 09 at 5:33 amLook for a new job while you’re managing this one. Its sorta hard finding a job right now, and there will be enough people waiting for your position if you quit.
Lavender_Green said:
Oct 14, 09 at 9:26 amHe’s abusive and taking advantage of you. He’s also breaking the law by not paying overtime. Depending on what state you live in, he’s probably breaking the law by not allowing you to have any breaks. How much you put up with depends on how badly you need the job. I would definitely start looking for a new job right away. Very few employers are as bad as this guy … you’re bound to find someone better. In the meantime, don’t let him get to you. He’s an idiot, whether or not he realizes it. When he does or says something obnoxious or rude, keep in mind that it’s a reflection on him, not on you. Feel free to explain to him that you’re not going to work overtime without getting paid for it. Your best bet is to get out of there and into a new position quickly. It sounds like you’ve developed experience and skills that will be marketable. Good luck!
Bruce said:
Oct 14, 09 at 9:29 amRun, do not walk, to the nearest exit.
That’s not the job for you. Overtime aside, he is treating you badly.
There are many, many ways to motivate people to do their best, hanging over your shoulder is waaaay down the list.
If you can work that hard for a good boss, everyone will be happy !!
So start running. To the exit, now…. It will be scary, bit you can do it.
Good luck to you.
Wondering_What_s_Going_on said:
Oct 14, 09 at 11:26 amIf you’re going to stay, it’s time to do so with a negotiation.
Tell him you need 30 minutes for lunch and two 15 minute breaks.
If he says no, then call in sick the next day. If he says you’ll be fired if you do, then let him know that you’re sorry to hear that because you want to keep the job, but you’re sick and cannot come in.
The other recourse that abused workers take is not doing the job as well. Let phones ring silently for longer than usual, forget about a few of your duties, escape to the bathroom a couple times a day.
Good luck.
patrick said:
Oct 14, 09 at 9:49 pmLegally you are entitled to overtime, as you are classified as salaried exempt. Since he is an atty, he is well aware that he is cheating you, so you are being used.
Suggest you find a new boss.