Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is no easy feat, especially when your boss actively undermines it. We’ve all heard tales of unreasonable managers, but this situation unveils something far more alarming. A recent account shared by a frustrated individual highlights how a seemingly innocent inquiry spiraled into unexpected ramifications.
Back in March, I embarked on my career journey as a junior developer, anticipating a six-month probation period at my new company. However, just a few months in, a troubling pattern emerged with my superior. Let’s refer to him as David. His peculiar habit of delegating urgent tasks to me after hours became increasingly apparent—tasks that, puzzlingly, nobody else seemed to receive. It all initiated with a project that was abruptly deemed a “top priority.”
Initially, I attempted to embody the spirit of camaraderie, convincing myself that this was merely part of demonstrating my unwavering commitment. Nevertheless, as I observed my colleagues departing at 5 PM sharp while I toiled over a last-minute, supposedly “critical” presentation, an unsettling realization washed over me—this was not normal.
On one fateful evening, David insisted I remain late to complete a report he had failed to provide earlier. I had prior engagement tickets and, with reluctance, declined his request. His response was unnerving; he seemed infuriated, coining his sentiments with the ominous warning that my dedication would dictate my future prospects at the company.
Determined to rectify this blatant mistreatment, I dove into my inbox. What I uncovered was alarming: a plethora of after-hours emails from David, perpetuating a cycle of unreasonable demands. This was unmistakably a recurrent theme.
Resolute and concerned, I decided to forward this troubling documentation to HR, seeking clarity on whether receiving such a disproportionate number of after-hours assignments was standard
