Manager said ‘Unlimited Overtime’ for Mother’s Day Week.. Now They’re Mad We Took It Seriously

Our district manager told us before her vacation, that on the week of Mother’s Day we could work as much overtime as we wanted this week. So my coworkers and I planned to hit 50+ hours. Some came in early, others worked doubles. Normally, people just clock in and out without pushing OT, so this was a big change.

Halfway through the week, the district manager suddenly told our head manager we were doing too much OT. I think the shift leads were in on it too, because they’re used to being the only ones with heavy hours. I didn’t quite hit 50 hours total (only 10 hours overtime) because of Cinco de Mayo, but my friend did, and now they’re side-eyeing him.

Why would she greenlight unlimited overtime just to walk it back midweek?

Jobadvisor:

That sounds incredibly frustrating and honestly, pretty unfair. To greenlight unlimited overtime and then get upset when people take that seriously is a really bad look for management. There could be a few reasons why this happened, though none of them excuse the way they handled it:

• Miscommunication or a Change of Plans: The district manager might have genuinely intended unlimited overtime initially, but something could have changed. Perhaps corporate stepped in with budget concerns, or maybe she realized the operational impact of so many people working excessive hours. However, even if this is the case, the way they communicated the change was poor. A clear and timely explanation would have been much more professional.
• Testing the Waters (Poorly): It's possible the "unlimited overtime" wasn't meant to be taken literally. Maybe the district manager was trying to gauge employee availability or willingness to work extra without actually intending for everyone to work drastically more hours. This is a manipulative tactic and creates a toxic work environment.
• Favoritism or Control: As you mentioned the shift leads being used to heavy hours, there might be an element of wanting to maintain a certain hierarchy or control over who gets overtime. The district manager might have regretted opening the floodgates to everyone.
• Budgetary Oversight: The district manager might not have fully considered the budgetary implications of truly unlimited overtime across the entire district. Once the hours started adding up, they might have panicked and tried to backtrack.
• Lack of Clarity or Specifics: Perhaps the initial message about "unlimited overtime" lacked clear guidelines or limitations, leading to different interpretations of what was acceptable.

Regardless of the reason, the way your management handled this is problematic. It creates distrust, punishes employees for following instructions, and fosters resentment. Your friend is right to feel side-eyed after simply doing what they were told was allowed.

It might be worth having an open and calm conversation with your head manager (if you feel comfortable doing so) to seek clarification on why the directive changed. However, given the current situation, it might also be wise to document everything – the initial announcement, who heard it, when the backtracking occurred, and any resulting repercussions. This could be important if the situation escalates or if there are further inconsistencies in management's directives.

I have no degree, no skills, and no real job—but I’m hungry to escape poverty. Where do I start?

I’m a 24-year-old guy who feels stuck at the bottom. No college degree. No fancy skills. I work long hours at a small shop just to survive—and even then, some days I skip meals to make things stretch.

I didn’t grow up with much, and I didn’t have the chance to go far in school. Now I watch people talk about “investing,” “building skills,” and “financial freedom”—and I want that life, badly. But I don’t know where to begin.

I don’t want to waste my youth feeling useless. I want to work hard, learn smart, and build something for myself—step by step. I’m not expecting overnight success or magic solutions. I just need a real starting point.

If you’ve been here and found a way out—please, talk to me. What did you learn? What helped you level up from nothing? What would you tell your younger self in my shoes?

Any guidance, even small steps, would mean the world.

Jobadvisor:

It takes real courage to look at your situation head-on and decide you want something different. The hunger you feel to escape poverty? That's a powerful first step in itself. You're not useless; you're driven. Let's figure out where to channel that drive.

Think of this like climbing a ladder. You're at the very bottom, but the only way to go is up, one rung at a time. Here are some things to consider, drawing from what others in similar situations have found helpful:

1. Focus on Foundational Skills and Small Wins:

• Literacy and Numeracy: These are the bedrock. Can you confidently read and understand instructions, fill out forms, and handle basic math for budgeting and everyday tasks? If not, this is a great place to start. There might be free adult education programs in Bârlad or online resources. Even dedicating 30 minutes a day to reading can make a difference.
• Digital Literacy: In today's world, basic computer skills are increasingly important. Can you use a computer, browse the internet, send emails? Look for free courses at your local library or community centers.
• Your Current Job: Even though it feels like just survival, think about what you are learning. Customer service? Handling money? Time management? These are transferable skills. How can you become slightly better at one aspect of your job? Even small improvements can build confidence and potentially lead to more responsibilities or better opportunities within the shop or elsewhere.

2. Explore Free or Low-Cost Learning Opportunities:

• Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and even YouTube offer a wealth of free or low-cost courses in various subjects. Explore things that genuinely interest you. Don't worry about immediate job relevance; learning itself builds your mind and opens doors.
• Libraries: Your local library in Bârlad is an incredible resource. They often have free internet access, computers you can use, and a vast collection of books on everything from practical skills to personal development.
• Community Centers: Check if there are any community centers in your area offering workshops or classes. These can range from language learning to basic vocational skills.

3. Identify Potential Paths (Even Broadly):

• What do you enjoy doing, even a little? Think beyond "jobs." What kind of tasks or activities do you find less draining or even interesting? This could be anything from fixing things to organizing to talking with people.
• What are some basic needs in Bârlad? Are there services that are always in demand? Think about cleaning, basic repairs, delivery, caregiving. Sometimes, starting with a simple service can provide income while you learn more.
• Talk to People: Start conversations. Mention your desire to learn and grow to people you trust—even customers at the shop. You never know who might have advice or an opportunity.

4. Focus on Small, Achievable Goals:

• Don't try to overhaul your life overnight. Pick one small thing to focus on each week or month. For example: "This week, I will spend 30 minutes each day learning basic computer skills online." Or, "This month, I will read one book on a topic that interests me."
• Celebrate small victories. Each step forward, no matter how tiny, is progress. Acknowledge your efforts.

5. Build a Support System (Even a Small One):

• Are there any friends or family members who believe in you? Talk to them about your goals. Having someone in your corner can make a big difference.
• Look for online communities or forums related to learning, skill development, or even just escaping poverty. Connecting with others who have similar aspirations can be motivating.

What I Would Tell My Younger Self:

"Don't let feeling behind paralyze you. Everyone starts somewhere, and your starting point doesn't define your finish line. Focus on learning, even if it feels slow. Every little bit of knowledge and every small skill you gain is a step forward. Be patient, be persistent, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Your hunger to improve is your greatest asset—nurture it."

This won't be easy, and there will be setbacks. But you have the drive, and that's a powerful force. Start small, stay consistent, and believe in your ability to learn and grow. You've got this. What small step feels most manageable for you to take this week?