How do you set boundaries when you’re on PTO without harming your standing when you’re back at work? My company is shut down for the week and leaders are texting me about urgent work they need my help with. My urge is just not respond but don’t want it to negatively impact my review or create a big issue when back.

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You should look for another job. The whole company shuts down and they’re still working? What the f

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Yeah what the f is right! I’ve ignored it and haven’t heard anything else so hoping it stays that way.

If you don’t set boundaries right now you will be a push over. They don’t care about anyone except for there pockets and we are all just numbers.

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Totally agree. I have ignored the messages and just hoping I don’t come back to a big situation next Monday!

If your company is shut down and nobody is supposed to work- that boundary is already defined. If you are still getting texts, then you are in consulting or some other industry like that where it’s the norm.

So act according to the working habits of your boss. Most partners will respond and work during vacation if it helps with their book of business. If it is actually urgent, then you have no choice - which again is the nature of the industry.

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The weird part is stuff like this didn’t even happen to me when I used to work at a consulting firm. People were actually pretty good there about respecting those type of boundaries.

Ask yourself this: Would they be so helpful for you? Your PTO is yours not theirs and they are expecting you to work for free. If you answer their calls then you are giving them permission to use you. You are replaceable just like the rest of us and they will as soon as your usefulness is over. Don't answer their calls. When you get back to work and they want to give you an attitude so what let them pout and stomp their feet like a petulant child. Tell them that you were on PTO and they are not allowed to infringe on your time unless they plan to pay you overtime. I've learned from my many years in the workplace, they don't care about you. Stop allowing them to have access to you on your personal time.

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Definitely not and they totally are just trying to use me. I’m ignoring it for now and trying to keep it out of mind to enjoy the down time.

If you’re hourly. It aint your problem. If your salary, you kindly remind them that you are on PTO and you’ll be entering a section in your vacation that is secluded and reception is limited so you won’t be reachable.

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Unfortunately, boundaries are for you not for other people and they aren’t real until they are tested and you honor them.

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Are they shut down because something is broken/wrong?
Do you think it is a quick fix (couple hours of your time) or will it take a big chunk of your PTO?
You should at least respond and find out what’s going on.

Never listen to PTO advice from someone in oil/gas where they never stop working 24/7. Turn your phone off and ignore if there is an issue later say oh sorry I was out for the break.

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I am flexible where I can use work hours to pick up my kids and pickup phone calls on PTO in case of an emergency. It is a mutual respect. I recommend to set clear expectations with your managers and make sure everyone follows. It is a culture. Best of luck. 🤞

Confused as to why you are shut down. If you have to work when the company is shut down, then why should you have to use PTO?

Many companies, unfortunately, do require that employees use their PTO during company shutdowns. It sucks.

Are you being paid for the week shutdown? If not, the company is violating the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). I'm assuming, by your title, that you are exempt. That means if you work 30 minutes in a week you must be paid for the entire week.

Okay, I get it. Just if they are out of PTO you can't doc them.

I agree with others that if the company is closed, don't go in. If your position justifies it, make sure you are compensated for that on top of what pay you would normally get. Sounds like something stinky is going on.

I think it really depends on the type of work you do. At my job, when I’m on PTO, there are systems in place to let me completely disconnect.

This brings a lot of questions to mind but, as many said in previous comments, ignore the phone. Whether you respond or not they will give a good or bad review. But time off is time off except it was spelled out to you in a document that you signed. Your time away gives you the time to be rejuvenated. Use it because you will never get it back. We’ve got to refrain from putting everyone and everything before ourselves. YOU MATTER.

I would help if I knew the person asking for help and knew that they were asking about a real emergency. Management often creates fake emergencies. Someone says "I need this by Friday" and people scramble to get it but the Friday deadline is completely artificial. On the other hand I've worked on systems where failures meant global trading stopped. Those were real emergencies and I would work on that in a heartbeat vacation time or not.

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