Hi
I work with a small team in a startup. It is a work requires PhD-level knowledge. They gave me a good position and I work extra hours without expecting payment, taking into account my stock options and the fact that I love my job. I mostly work in a lab and don't have that much office work, but I occasionally need to do research at the office in front of my computer. However, last week, while we were moving to another lab, there wasn't much to do in the lab due to the transportation of tools. One of my bosses told me, “Since you're free today, you could check this job.” Firstly, I am almost never free and this made me feel as though they think I do nothing when I'm not in the lab. The word “free” makes no sense to me because i am not stupid to stay in the office in a flexible hour job where I already made 15 hours extra in this month without expecting extra.
Secondly, it made me sad to hear something that implies I cannot determine my own priorities. I discussed this with some of my friends, who said it is a form of micromanagement, as I am not a new production worker or someone early stage of his career who requires assistance and guidance.
I would like to know what others think before I talk to my boss, to make sure I am not overreacting.
Thanks