How do you explain one of them...

[Kimmyt]

OKay, well that was supposed to be 'how do you explain TO one of them...'

I have been working like a madwoman recently. Not out of choice. I am not, generally, a workaholic. However I am a perfectionist. I like to do my job well, and to completion, not leaving tasks unfulfilled at the end of a day if possible.

My managers have seemed to notice, and as such have been giving me more and more responsibility. Which, while I am complimented, is a bit frustrating.

See, it's cycling season now. This time last year I was riding 3x a week after work at 4:30. I was putting miles in.

This month at my new-ish position I am working 10-12 hour days every day, from 6 in the morning until 5 or 6 at night. I am working my *** off, not getting a lunch (well i get it, I just have to work as I eat at my computer). Today I promised myself a ride with the local group, but since the weather looked bad this a.m. I didn't put my bike in the car. (hey, it was 5:30 in the morning, sue me for not thinking straight!)

Well the thing is, I got in to work at 6, so technically I should get out around 2. 5:00 pm today I was still working feverishly, and I was the last one in the building practically. The sun had come out and it was glorious and warm and sunny out. My heart felt like it was crumbling away as I finally left work, wondering if I'd ever get a relief from the insane work schedule and get to enjoy MY things.

The thing is, I don't know if I can bring this up to my boss. When I bring up the amount of hours I'm putting in, I get sympathetic sounds and a mention of comp time. But comp time only can happen when I have time for it to happen. If they keep assigning me more and more work, I won't have any spare time to take off early.

i don't know how to tell her, a woman who lives her job, or any of my other managers/bosses who are also workaholics (such are the troubles of working with research PhD's) that I HAVE to cycle? If I come in to work early, I should get out early. Just because I'm leaving the same time as someone who came in at 9 am doesn't mean I've worked a full day. I've worked MORE than a full day.

I don't know how to bring it up, to let her know that I cannot skimp on any more cycling time, without sounding like a little kid. I mean, non-cyclists really just don't understand. You say I was supposed to go cycling and they hear 'I wanted to go ride my bike'. Which are two entirely different things. They picture you wanting to go toodle around on a trail or ride in circles in a cul de sac. They don't understand that it's training and it's as important as work.

I guess I am just frustrated and not wanting to sound to my bosses like I'm ungrateful or slacking on my job (I know I'm not, I'm giving 100% more than most people that work at my department).

Any help? Commiseration? Advice (other than get a new job... believe me, thought of that one already...)

K.

[Grog]

I'm not sure you need to mention the reason why you do not want to work from 6 to 6. Whether it's to cycle or take care of kids or watch TV or bake the world's biggest chocolate chip cookie (!!!) is not really their business.

Can you simply, gently, diplomatically refuse some of the new assignations you're given? It might be pointless to explain (to them) that you want to lead a balanced personal life...

[HappyAnika]

That's a really tough position to be in. I happen to be "a researh PhD" at a gov't institution, but luckily most of my colleagues go by the 40 hour work week, myself included. Not so for my friends who work for companies. If it was me, I would perhaps just start working 8 hours a day, then when the work isn't done and the boss complains, point out that I am only one person and can only do one person's worth of work. Ok, that would be the passive agressive route. In the past when my husband was working 60 hour weeks including weekends, I suggested he might politely tell his boss that he's being overworked and needs some help. That worked well for him, they gave him half the time of a worker bee to pick up some of the slack. But then his boss is pretty reasonable.

Perhaps it was a mistake for me to walk out of a meeting last week at 5 pm because I had to go ride? Really, I was meeting my husband to ride home, and if I didn't meet him he would have thought the worst. (The meeting was scheduled to end at 5). I don't do meetings past 5 unless its really really really important. I hate staying until 5 just because other people can't get up early.

[Bluetree]

I have a long work week, too. My usual week is about 60-65 hours, and can get up to 80 hours a week during the busy season. But I still try to get in 75-100 miles a week (+ swim and run), even if I have to get up at 3am and go out riding covered in lights. (I think I'd go crazy otherwise.)

Fortunately, I can ride all year around in Southern California weather. Nope, I don't have much of a life outside of working/training. But I love what I do so that makes a difference.

If I were you, I'd explain the need to limit the number of hours a week, and not apologize for it. And, I'd change my phrasing from "cycling" to "training." Most workaholics can appreciate goals, and if you tell them you are working towards a race, you might get some slack!

[KnottedYet]

"If you want a project done, give it to someone who is busy."

You are too good. Start saying "no" or delegating. Or if they ask you to do something new, ask them which of your existing projects they want you to drop for it. Or tell them you want to hire an assistant. (students always need internships, too)

If you keep doing extra, they'll keep giving you extra.

[Offthegrid]

This happens to me, too. My workload has tripled since I was hired and I'm on call more than twice the amount of time they told me I would be when I'm hired. I fortunately don't have to put in more hours typically (sometimes); I just try to work much faster. But my office is FULL of workaholics.

Is it possible for you to bike commute to work? Then at least you'd get a ride -- and you could possibly take a ride at lunch, too.

[KSH]

That's a tough situation.

I think I would approach it by talking to your Boss about what makes you a more productive employee. Being healthy and having a balanced life will keep you from burning out on the job and eventually leaving.

If you are a good employee who your boss values... then he/she would want to you to keep working hard... but not burn out and leave.

You don't have to say... I MUST CYCLE... instead... just say that to stay sane and productive, you need to have some time for physical activity. And you are more than willing to put in the time, but there are some days when you might only work an 8 hour day, and you hope she/he can respect that... so you can keep working hard and not go nuts.

[solobiker]

Well, I don't have to much good advice for you. My husband is in the same postion, he gets into work around 6am..his boss is usually there by 530 and is a major work aholic so my DH has a hard time leaving after a "normal" work day. His boss says "on one works a 8 or 9 hour day anymore". Are you able to ride durring lunch? Is there anyway you can commute? I know it is not the same as a training ride. I hope you find a situation that works for you. to bad you couldn't work 4 10s, since you are already working 10 plus hours a day. Is there anyway you could leave early, go ride then do more work at home...I know it is not ideal, but I am trying to help you outl