DEAR ABBY: Recently I was late to work because I slept in and my boss was upset about it. But the thing is -- it's really none of his business, is it? What I do on my own time isn't the business of my employer. I don't ask him what he does when he isn't here.
This has happened a few times and I know it might present a problem, but I don't think it's his place to tell me what to do outside of work. How is that legal?
I need the extra sleep in the mornings because I like to stay out late at night, which is my right as an American. If I need extra sleep in order to perform my job at a higher level, then isn't it better for the company that I sleep in? I'm hearing blame when I should be hearing thank you. -- MY BUSINESS IN INDIANA
DEAR MY BUSINESS: Forgive me if this seems harsh, but your boss's business IS his business. Businesses have regular hours of operation, which are usually stated in the employee handbook you should have read when you were being hired. It's the duty of an employee to show up on time and in condition to perform his/her job.
I'm not surprised your boss is upset. It's a natural response when an employee who's relied upon acts irresponsibly, which is what you have been doing. Because you prioritize your social life above your work life, consider looking for a job that starts later or has flexible hours. You may need it.