Going to work everyday may not be fun but it should not be something that you are dreading. If you are struggling with your responsibilities and finding work miserable then you may find that it is not your work but your boss. 

Sometimes, you may be asked to go above and beyond, and you will go for it because you are a team player, however, if this is all of the time then you perhaps need to question it. You may need to seek legal action here. If you are feeling taken advantage of at work, then here is a little bit of advice for you. 

Being taken advantage of

This is a habit that is easy to fall into especially if you are trying to impress the management. However, you need to make sure that you are getting the respect you deserve. If not then it may be time to pursue legal action or seek a new job. 

Examples of being taken advantage of:

  • Being asked to do tasks that are not part of your job description
  • Being given unrealistic deadlines
  • Being asked to work overtime without compensation
  • Being asked to do personal tasks for your boss
  • Being screamed and shouted at by customers
  • Not being given a raise or promotion when promised

Working Overtime

Look sometimes overtime is a necessary part of the job. Life throws curveballs at every given turn. You may be short-staffed and there may be no room to hire more employees. This means that you will be leaned on to cover the gaps. 

However, if you find that this is regularly ruining your nights and eating into your weekends then you should speak to your boss. Make sure it is an honest and open conversation. Detail your extra hours and often lack of compensation and explain how you are burning out. If they are reasonable then they may give you a break. 

If you work in the US, the law stipulates that you must be paid time and a half for overtime, so if you are not receiving this, you may have a case for back pay.

Becoming a PA

Unless this is your actual job description then becoming a personal assistant is not only frustrating but demeaning. You should not be spending all of your time getting coffees or aiding your boss’s personal life. You should be focussed on your work and developing your skills. This can be a tricky one to resolve. 

You should perhaps speak to your boss and point out that your responsibilities have changed, and you would like to know if they are permanent changes. You can then suggest that you would like to focus on other projects if possible. You should also make a point of documenting all of the additional tasks you are undertaking.

If your boss is unreasonable and you are stuck in this position, then you should start to look for a new job.

Dealing with Customers 

If you work with the public, you will know that this can be a thankless task. You are there to serve them and often they will not be the easiest people to deal with. If you are finding that you are constantly being screamed and shouted at by customers, then this is not right. 

You should speak to your boss and explain the situation. If they do not take action to help you, then you may need to find another job. No one deserves to be treated like this.

Waiting on that raise

If you have been excelling in your job role and repeatedly been promised a promotion that has not materialised, then you may want to broach the subject. It is a risk. You need to approach with caution. Speak to your employer, be direct and ask for some parameters especially when it comes to a timeframe. You can use the leverage that you are not interested in leaving but are looking forward to committing your future to the company long-term. 

Waiting on a raise is a frustrating experience. You may feel like you are stuck in limbo and not being valued. If this is the case, you need to speak to your boss. Your boss may be waiting to give you a raise in line with a promotion. If this is the case, you need to be patient. But if you feel like you are being strung along, then you need to have a direct conversation.

Losing ownership of your work

If you are in the unlucky position of being employed by someone who is happy to steal your work and present it as their own, then you need to address it sooner rather than later. 

Reclaiming ownership of your work will give you visibility but it may insult your manager. Don’t immediately go above their head. Speak to them and ask to represent your own ideas in the future. You may need to be more forceful if they do not listen.

Manual Labor 

If you have a manual labor job, then this is going to be tough. You will be on your feet all day and often lifting heavy objects. If you find that you are constantly in pain and your boss is not doing anything to help you, then you may want to speak to a lawyer. 

You should not have to work in these conditions and if you are, then you may be entitled to compensation. 

Taken Advantage of Emotionally 

This is a difficult one to spot as it is not always clear cut. However, if you find that your boss is constantly putting you down or making you feel like you are not good enough, then this is not right. You may want to seek therapy to help you deal with these feelings. 

You should also speak to your boss and explain how you are feeling. If they do not take your feelings seriously, then you may want to consider finding another job. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are feeling taken advantage of at work, then you should speak to your boss. If they do not take your concerns seriously, then you may want to consider finding another job.

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