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I had an interview today with a company very close to my home. My current job is only part time because my hours were cut. I applied to this new company because it would cut down my commute significantly.
But I have some concerns. I'm used to working for a flexible boss and laid back office culture. I have to move on because I need full time. My concerns with this new company are that they are "old school." The manager brought up today that they don't allow cell phones on the desk. Really? I'm not one of those people that uses my phone all day during work. No going on the internet. And she brought up how important attendance is - I take that to mean they aren't very flexible. I wouldn't expect to take time off on a regular basis. For medical reasons I go to the Dr. twice a month. Which means I would be late two mornings a month.
I have worked for companies that allow me to use the internet as long as my work is done. I haven't been told I couldn't have my cell phone out since my first job out of high school. I'm 35. I don't know maybe I have had it too easy? It just seems like a really rigid work culture. Red Flags? Or have I been spoiled?
The medical appointment issue could be something that's discussed upfront when you receive a job offer before you accept it.
The phone issue may have resulted from people who abused that because honestly, there are people who do rampantly abuse that and would spend more time on their phones than working if they could.
I guess you just have been spoiled. The work culture is pretty fine. Unless you have a better option, I suggest you just take the job. Most of the businesses I knew had the same culture. There should be no phones during work hours and you should never be late (unless there's an emergency or you got sick). At the end of the day, you might even learn something from that "rigid" culture.
I think of “attendance is important” as being a culture where they don’t tolerate people who regularly call in. That doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t have a recurring appointment. They might be able to work around your appointments by allowing you to make up the hours later in the day, or make up the hours later during the weeks you miss. That is just something you’ll have to discuss with them if you get an offer.
As for the other issues, you can still use your phone at breaks and lunch. At my current job, I don’t really think people use their work computers to go on the internet. Most people use their phones during breaks/lunch. They are not too strict with phone usage, but everyone has a quota and will get fired if they don’t meet it, so that is the trade off we have.
If you don't agree with the culture, the best option is to reject the job.
At 35, it's time to put the cell phone away at work. Would you enjoy it, if saw the cashiers busted out their cell phone to talk to their baby mama while you waited?
Flexibility is earned. They probably have a no-nonsense culture with new hires because it has been abused in the past, hence the hard line. Work for several years, never come in late, stay off of the stupid phone and you'll be amazed at how much flexibility is given to you.
The cell phone thing wouldn't bother me, but the attendance comment might be a red flag.
Is this the type of company that does not allow days off? At all? You can't use sick days? Or get penalized for using them even though you're entitled to them? Do they track every second you are at your desk?
Why does anyone need to have their cell phone on their desk?
I have an office with a door, so I don't have to explain that to anybody. It's the only way to live.
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