DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently given three days off because of my overtime hours in the past few weeks. At first, I was happy and grateful that I could have a break, but now I'm beginning to think that my boss just wants me out of the office. My friends tell me I'm crazy, but I don't see other people getting this much time off due to their overtime! Am I losing it, or am I right to be suspicious? -- Something's Brewing, Philadelphia
DEAR SOMETHING’S BREWING: Many companies are choosing to give employees time off rather than having to pay them overtime. This is one way that they are managing costs. At face value, your situation sounds like the new norm.
That said, if your instinct is telling you that there’s something else afoot, pay attention. When you come back to the office, request a meeting with your boss, and ask what you can do to help make your contribution more efficient. Point out that you know that he is very conscientious about the use of overtime. Ask him if he has any strategies to recommend for getting the work completed without the need for additional hours. Let him know you want to be an effective team player. Ask for his guidance on making that happen. Even if your nervousness was all in your head, showing your boss that you want to do what’s best for the company is always wise.
(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)