Is it just?! - added: 2009-11-28 21:23:22

I am an architect. I work for a notable firm in  Baltimore. In the past few years I have worked countless hours beyond the 40 hour work week. In my recent review I was told "this is not a 40 hour profession and requires extra time".

With the economy what it is, I have watched the profession go straight down the drain. Numerous firms in the area have closed their doors, big firms with offices in other states. Firms that have been around for more than ten years. Firms with 75+ employees. Firms with client lists that would make the greedy bankers of this recession raise an eyebrow.

Most of my friends are out of work, not being paid by their employer of forced to take severe pay cuts. I have seen the deadlines go from a little unreasonable to completely unreasonable. Overtime pay or straight time time over 40 hours is long gone. I personally have witnessed the figure head in my office preach about the economy and the lack of work right before a few weeks in spent europe to unwind. I have heard with my own ears the call for "extra time". I have been told to "find the time" or "just get it done".

When is it too much? How do you say no without getting fired? How do you approach the topic of compensation for overtime? 

In my profession it is widely known that there was a time when an employee would not be paid until he/she was licensed. If you did get paid it was nothing you could live on. I heard stories coming up through the ranks from old guys about how lucky they were to have girlfriends because it was the only way they ate. 

Why do we perpetuate this? 

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