Hi all. I've been in pharma for most of my career. I left a very reputable big pharma company for an opportunity at a biotech (bigger pay bigger risk/reward).
I am seasoned and during the interviewing process was very, very clear that I have a family and interests outside of work. Was told about the (generous) vacation schedule and PTO policy. My job necessitates 4-5 weekends outside of work for conferences. No problem there.
So, now that I've jumped ship and am with my new employer my manager had a meeting with me to let me know:
–I would be expected to “be aware” of emails during off hours (wtf does that mean?) No matter when they come in
It would always “be my choice” to work on the weekends, and I wouldn't be “expected” to work
–Then he gave me no less that 4 examples of how his working 3-5 hours at a time on the weekend for each request benefited the company (every one of the examples was for something that was not mission critical– casual request from exec, one -off from a board member finally learning the business).
I asked him what it means to “be aware” vs working. His response (eg “in this case I worked 4 hours on Saturday” sure sounds like working).
Btw, we don't keep the company alive. I'm middle management in a job that is important but not critical. Think commercial development.
I explained that during the week long hours are fine, but I have childcare responsibilities on the weekend (aka. a life) and can't always “drop everything” to respond.
In other words, I'm available 24/7 Monday to Friday most weeks and 5 other (agreed upon weekends) per year. But not available the other weekends.
He was, well, not at all interested in the thought of children, life, aging parents, anything outside of work.
How am I responding to his request? Saying “yes sir” and then proceed business as usual. No work on the weekends (unless we're getting acquired and I'm getting out of the shithole of work forever).
Really upset I was mislead on this. I asked other employees about work/life, thinking I did my homework. Nope.