This dilemma comes from STA reader Michelle, who was hoping you guys could help her out with a workplace-related quandary:
My company is about to move to a new office building, and we’ve all just been told that we’ll be required to work for an entire weekend and then go straight back to a full work week the next Monday in order to help. We’re one of those companies where you’re supposed to give your life to your employers, but this really peeves me. I’m a (underpaid) salaried worker, so there’s no possibility of anything like glorious “overtime” to compensate my lost weekend. I’m pissed, as my weekends are my only valued time, and I wonder if there’s anything to do about it but suck it up and deal. My only thought is to claim a secondary job that I have over weekends in order to pay the rent that I’m now being forced to cancel (this is a lie but is very realistic) and therefore am losing money by this deal. I don’t think that lying is the best way to go, am I just being selfish?
Would love your thoughts / advice.
Michelle, I don’t think you’re being selfish at all. A lot of people who are “salaried” are, in reality, just hourly workers who don’t get paid overtime. But that’s another discussion.
If you’re a good, ahem, prevaricator, then I say go ahead and tell your story about a weekend job. But before you do, check your employee manual to make sure there’s nothing in it that either prohibits you from having a second job or requires you to have already notified your employer about the second job. Many employers have such policies.
Good luck!
Your employer should foot their own moving costs – check out local employee rights laws or something.
I would not lie. They can use your other job as an excuse to later NOT give you a raise. Saying that you are not focused on your main job (the one you committed to). Just suck it up and ask if there is a way that you can leave early the next to Friday’s to make up for it. Just be honest. The worst they could say is no and at least you still have your dignity in not lying.
Good luck 
I agree with Hortense that your employer should shell out for professional movers. Perhaps looking for movers that have specials & getting a quote or two would persuade your boss.
Failing that, I would ask for an equal number of hours off at a later date – such as the next 2 Fridays or one day off this month & one day off next month.
I have been in a similar situation where we had a mandatory work event one weekend and had to work 12 days in a row because of that, and I can tell you we were all irritated from being around each other for that long by the end of the second week. What your boss will lose in money s/he will gain in peace of mind.
i would try saying you at least have to be at church for most of sunday. they can’t mess with your right to practice religion right? right?? anyhoo, it might get you out of one day…