I'm a full time mature age student, but because bills, I work a split shift driving buses. That was the deal when I took the job. I drive mornings and afternoons and have the day free to study. I will very occasionally do extra work if I'm up to date and they give me adequate notice, but my study is my priority.
The company I drive for is woefully mismanaged (see previous posts) and has a really high turnover of office staff, which means the current logistics team were all hired after I started. Around 8 this morning after I had finished my run I got a phone call from the new logistics manager telling me they had extra work and need me to drive today, all day. I said “thanks for the offer, but I'm neckdeep in an assignment and must decline, sorry”. Fairly straightforward, I thought.
“What do you mean 'decline'? You haven't been assigned a run today and I need you to drive!”
“Um, sorry, but I'm unavailable, like I said”
“What the hell do you mean 'unavailable'? You can't just say you're unavailable! I need you in the seat by 10. Be here or else.” And hung up.
So at 9.58 I emailed him the “special conditions” page of my contract which specifies I'm only required to work the early and late split shift runs, that I may be offered other work but may decline due to limited availability. Good luck guy.