What to Do When a Dream Job Isn't

New realities.

People in California that work in tech are classified as exempt because they regularly work uneven hours. Usually more hours than a 40 hour week. It's an anomaly the last few years that exempt tech workers only worked a 40 hour week. Thus, you also get paid much higher than the average worker. When you negotiate your salary, it historically has always been taken into account that exempt workers may work extra hours, and lots of them. Tech has always been subject to burn out. This is now amplified with the economy. I think you may have to look for another job.

Right now to think that someone else won't put in those kind of hours is misleading. When people run out of unemployment compensation pay, they will start lowering their standards.

It is completely legal for them to work you 14 hours. Or 20 hours. You should have known this was the risk in tech. The manager might not even have been misleading. Things are changing every day. What was true last week, is no longer true. Hack it for as long as you can. Then you'll have to look elsewhere. Sadly.

snarkolepsy of CA @ Jul 31, 2009 19:06:47 PM

I second "Plan Your Steps"...

As someone who also works in California (and for a non-profit that receives a GREAT deal of $ from the state I might add!) I can definitely see the concerns of "Dream Job" but I would just like to say (for what it's worth) that I agree with the advice to look for another job but have one lined up before leaving your current position.

California IS a big state, after all, and nearly every company needs SOME form of IT (we have two IT guys for an agency of 300+) so you might be able to find something.

You might even consider starting a free-lance contractor business...don't let the fear of the CA economy stand in your way because burn-out is just not worth sticking around for and I know because I've been there...just watch out for state-funded organizations!! ;)

BTW: I follow Evil HR Lady and love your writing!

Monica of CA @ Jul 31, 2009 17:06:13 PM

Is the classification correct

I think your assessment is spot on, but I'd add that it may be worth challenging the "exempt" classification. While there is a "computer" exemption, it is restricted to mainframe programmers and is not appropriate for general IT.

A computer professional’s primary duty consists of the application of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users to determine hardware, software or system functional specifications; the design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing, or modification of computer systems or programs, including prototypes, based on and related to user or system design specifications; the design, documentation, testing, creation, or modification of computer programs related to machine operating systems; or a combination of the aforementioned duties, the performance of which requires the same level of skills.

If the work doesn't fit this description, the job HAS to meet the basic criteria for an exempt position:

1 - The employee routinely supervises two or more fulltime employees (executive exemption);

2 - The employee is routinely required to exercise his own independent business judgment and discretion with respect to matters of significance;

3 - The primary duty is the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers.(administrative exemption)

4 - The employee has the authority to hire or fire other employees (or the employee’s recommendations as to hiring, firing, promotion or other change of status of other employees are given particular weight). (Executive Exemption)

It does seem that you're doing a fair amount of manual work, and you don't have much authority. So you might has, why the exempt classification?

Lita of NY @ Jul 31, 2009 16:15:55 PM

Plan your steps

First, do not quit before you have something else lined up.

Try to get a copy of your "Terms of Employment." This could be beneficial if you are terminated and the company tries to deny unemployment (Note: i am not a lawyer).

Could you lay out a plan that allows you to be more productive during your time there? For example, could your 10 hours a day is more productive than someone else's 14 hour day? I have a lawyer friend who told me his normal work week was 50 hours per week. He did this by coming in, going straight to work, and WORKING the entire 10 hours. No two-hour lunch breaks or hanging out by the coffee pot. As a result of his focus, he was more productive than the people who lived in the office.

Finally, if your boss is really a face-time person, work within his system and make your life better. I have worked a couple places were the management loved it when I was waiting at the door at the start of the day and they had to tell me to go home at the end of the day. I was usually able to do two or three hours of errands during the day...all the personal stuff I never had time to do. Turns out they really did not notice.

All the best in your job.

Greg of SC @ Jul 31, 2009 15:16:56 PM