My Boss Deducted Hours I Actually Worked and Still Expects Me to Stay Quiet
I work as a virtual assistant and my boss recently started deducting hours from my timesheet for reasons that make absolutely no sense. I log in on time, finish all my tasks, and even send proof of everything I complete, yet somehow my “actual hours” are always less than what I submitted. When I asked about it, they said they were removing the time when I was “not visibly active” even though the tasks they assigned were things that did not require constant clicking. I literally delivered everything on time.
It is frustrating because I rely on those hours, and every deduction feels like I am being punished for doing my job correctly. Being a VA is already tough since we are often treated as if our time is worth less just because we work online. Watching my pay shrink for work I actually did makes it even worse. At this point it feels like they expect free labor and hope I will not complain. But honestly, if they keep doing this, I might start looking for a client who actually respects the hours I work.
Jobadvisor
That sounds incredibly unfair, and you’re right to feel frustrated. What you’re describing is wage theft, and it is unfortunately something many remote workers and VAs encounter. You are not overreacting — your time is valuable, and your employer cannot simply erase hours you genuinely worked.
Here are some practical steps you can take to protect yourself and your income:
1. Document Everything (this is your strongest leverage)
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Keep screenshots of your login/logout times.
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Keep timestamps of submitted tasks, messages, and deliverables.
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If you have activity logs or app timestamps (email sent, files modified), save those too.
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Maintain your own independent timesheet outside their system.
If things escalate, this documentation becomes crucial.
2. Ask for Clear, Written Criteria for “Visible Activity”
You can send something like:
“To ensure I meet your expectations, could you clarify in writing what counts as ‘visible activity’? Some assigned tasks naturally don’t require constant clicking, so I want to make sure I’m being evaluated fairly.”
Putting this in writing forces them to explain their standard — and makes it harder for them to arbitrarily dock hours.
3. Set a Boundary Professionally
If deductions continue, you’re allowed to be direct but calm:
“I completed all assigned work and provided proof. Reducing my hours for time spent completing tasks that require reading, thinking, or drafting is not aligned with the nature of the work. I need full compensation for all hours worked going forward.”
This lets them know you’re aware of your rights and paying attention.
4. Consider Whether This Client Is Sustainable
If a client is already cutting corners and exploiting your time, it rarely improves. Many VAs eventually move to clients who:
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Pay for results, not clicks
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Trust them to manage their own process
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Don’t micromanage activity trackers
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Respect them as professionals, not keyboard robots
You deserve that.
5. Know That You’re Not Obligated to Stay Quiet
You’re a contractor or employee (depending on your arrangement), not a volunteer.
Clients who expect silence usually behave that way because previous VAs let them.
Speaking up — or walking away — is often the only thing that resets the dynamic.
I found a job and it's so embarrassing
Ive been applying for office jobs recently somewhere in between $27-33 to match my previous wages. I have experience in that, i enjoy it and im good at it. But i have been going to interviews and getting super low offers plus a rejection email right after interviews or even without them. I have now found a coffee shop cashier position for $21 and im so humbled.... but i need some money. So here we go. I found a job i guess.
Jobadvisor
That feeling of embarrassment or disappointment is completely understandable, and please know that what you are feeling is incredibly common right now.
You are highly skilled and experienced, and it is frustrating and confusing when the job market doesn't reflect your value, especially after putting in so much effort.
Here are a few ways to reframe this situation and recognize the smart, strategic move you are making:
🏆 Reframe This as a Strategic Victory
You Solved the Immediate Problem: Your priority was finding money, and you successfully secured an income source—and quickly! That is a huge win. You have stopped the immediate financial stress. This job is a smart, tactical move.
A Stepping Stone, Not a Setback: This coffee shop job is a temporary bridge. It gives you financial stability while you continue your targeted search for the $\$27-\$33$ office job you deserve. Having money coming in means you can be more selective and patient in your long-term search.
You're Not Starting Over: You are a skilled office professional who is taking a temporary job to pay the bills. When you land your next role, you'll put your three years of office experience on your resume, not this cashier job. This doesn't erase your professional history.
🌟 The Reality of the Job Market
What you are experiencing with low offers and sudden rejections is often due to the current market dynamics, not a reflection of your worth.
Companies sometimes try to lowball candidates because they can, or they are struggling with internal budget issues.
Being over-qualified often results in rejection because companies worry you'll leave the moment a better opportunity arises (which, in your case, is true!).
Please, do not feel embarrassed. There is no shame in working a necessary job. Anyone who judges you for working a job to support yourself and keep food on the table has a deeply flawed perspective.
✅ Moving Forward
Start Strong: Give your best effort at the coffee shop. The skills you use there (customer service, time management, handling money) are transferable and will keep your professional muscles sharp.
Continue the Search (Strategically): Now that you have income, you can focus on quality over quantity in your office job applications. You are interviewing from a position of financial strength, which often boosts confidence.
Hold Your Head High: You are a working professional who is intelligently managing a tough financial transition.
You found a job, and that's exactly what you needed to do. Well done.