How do I handle this work situation?

[Jon Herron]

What is the workload like? be more specific buddy 🙂

[Joe Ryan]

It may not sound bad on paper but standards are high, they expect cutting edge originality and the producer is full of ideas that don’t work but can’t just tell him, you have to build the piece to show him it won’t work. I’m averaging a package a week consisting of opening and close animations, window, lower thirds, transitions and an animation for almost every goddamn word in the script. The producer is a mind changer.

[Butch]

I think you have only one option, and that is to try to get your workload reduced. If you don’t you’re going to burn out and at that point, will either explode and get fired or implode and quit. If management decides to punish you for talking to them about a legit problem, there’s not a thing you can do except let it go.

[Debe]

If they’re not willing to listen to you, especially if you go to them with rational, reasonable, well thought out points, then you’d likely be better off at another facility where they do respect and trust your judgment.

Not saying anything for fear of being fired is either a scare tactic the company culture has instilled in you that is just plain wacky, or has something to do with some past experience. You’re allowed to voice concerns, opinions, and make suggestions for improvements. Companies don’t grow if the employees don’t get involved with improving their own situations. Companies want to grow.

Speak up! Be honest, forthright, and be prepared to back up your “concerns” over the workload with actual facts and time sheets, if at all possible. If there are no records, talk to ANYONE, including the cleaning crew, who can back up your claims of all the extra time you’ve been putting in.

You’re allowed a life. You’re allowed time off. You’re allowed to discuss the workload in an effort to make the situation beneficial not only to them, but to you, as well.

A burned out employee doesn’t do them any good, either. If they don’t know about all the extra time, TELL THEM!

If you don’t think there’s anyone there who’ll listen to you, and that’s why you’ve put it off until now, then spiff up your resume and go looking for a situation where they treat you like a human being first, commodity second!

debe

[Vinnie]

amen to that…

well put debe..

Too many people dont speak up at work and crappy managers get all the glory…

vinnie

[Jon Herron]

Agreed, well put. Just always remember this will never be your last job. (i hope) If you’re a strong good worker competent employers will see that and give you a chance. Not saying quit. But voice your opinion and concerns to the producer. And is they don’t listen say peace to ya. They’ll probably never find anybody as good or as quick or willing to put in the extra time. And if they do they probably cant afford them, and that person definetly wont put up with there rediculous demands.
jon

[Mike Cohen]

You are unlikely to be fired for being honest (unless your boss is a real #%^&%*^*.
Do you submit timesheets or anything?

I would go to the producer or whoever signs your check, and setup a time to talk about your workflow (make it sound like management related stuff).
Then give evidence that the last project was due in a week’s time, and it took you exactly 70 hours to complete. Say you don’t mind working hard on all your projects, but there is a reasonable limit within a 40-60 hour work week at which point you become inefficient.
That being said, if you make six figures, then I would tough it out or find another such job.

[Joe Ryan]

I’ll try and talk them into a work reduction or an extended deadline. Your advice has been most helpful.