‘Manager wants me to work after hours’: Techie says he was compared to colleague working 17 hours a day

Manager Wants Me to Work After Hours: Techie's Complaint Over Unfair Comparisons

Manager wants me to work after - “Manager wants me to work after hours,” a software developer shared in a viral Reddit post, exposing how workplace pressure and unfair comparisons with a senior colleague have led to an exhausting work culture. The employee, who has worked at a well-known product-based tech firm for two years, claims his manager frequently references a more experienced teammate’s 17-hour workdays to justify demanding overtime. This colleague, with over two decades of expertise, is often held up as a symbol of dedication, despite the developer’s belief that the workload is disproportionate to the actual contributions.

The Weight of Constant Expectations

The tech professional detailed how his manager’s expectations have grown increasingly rigid, citing the senior colleague’s schedule as a benchmark. While the senior architect’s long hours are seen as a mark of commitment, the developer feels his efforts are constantly scrutinized, even for minor oversights. For instance, during code reviews, the manager frequently points out small details, such as spacing inconsistencies, to highlight his need for improvement. This persistent pressure has left him feeling undervalued and overworked, despite his role requiring complex problem-solving and strategic planning.

“Whenever I raise a pull request, he keeps creating issues like, ‘Why did you add extra space?’ etc,”

the employee explained, emphasizing how these critiques contribute to a cycle of stress and self-doubt. He also mentioned being reassigned between projects with little notice, often leading to confusion and a sense of being forced to work beyond standard hours to meet shifting deadlines. Despite adhering to instructions, he faces criticism for incomplete tasks, which he attributes to the manager’s tendency to compare his performance to the senior colleague’s relentless pace.

Industry Pressures and Company Justifications

The developer’s account gained traction as it resonated with many in the tech sector, where long hours are often normalized. His manager, he says, initially dismissed the senior colleague’s complaints but later began directly pushing him to work extra hours. This pressure is compounded by the company’s consistent profitability, which the manager uses to argue that employees should prioritize work over personal time. “He is making so much contribution,” the manager claimed, as if the senior colleague’s dedication alone justifies the demanding environment.

“Even though the company is doing well, it’s not fair to expect someone to work 17 hours a day just to keep up,”

the employee added, highlighting the disconnect between the firm’s success and its employees’ well-being. He also noted that while the senior colleague’s long hours are celebrated, the lack of transparency in workload distribution creates a sense of inequity. “I feel like I’m being compared to someone who works non-stop, but I’m not given the same opportunities to prove myself,” he said, underscoring the emotional toll of constant comparison.

Employee Concerns and Workplace Culture

The post sparked a wave of empathy and relatability, with many commenters sharing similar experiences. One user wrote, “This is exactly what I’ve been going through at my job. The manager wants me to work after hours, but they never ask the others to do the same.” Another suggested setting boundaries, stating, “Sometimes, it’s important to communicate your boundaries firmly and assertively.” These comments reflect a growing awareness of workplace burnout and the need for more equitable expectations.

“I’ve seen colleagues work 17-hour days, but it’s not fair to force everyone to do the same,”

one commenter noted, while another questioned whether the company’s culture is sustainable. The discussion also touched on the psychological impact of being compared to a high-performing teammate, with some arguing that such comparisons can stifle creativity and innovation. “If we’re all expected to work the same way, it might kill the joy of coding,” one user added, emphasizing the human cost of relentless work demands.

Industry Trends and Employee Retention

While the manager wants me to work after hours, the incident raises broader concerns about work-life balance in the tech industry. Many companies, especially in product-based sectors, prioritize output over employee wellness, often using metrics like hours worked to measure productivity. The senior colleague’s 17-hour schedule, though grueling, is framed as a necessary sacrifice for success. However, the developer’s experience suggests that such expectations can lead to burnout and high turnover rates.

“It’s not just about working harder, but working smarter. When the manager wants me to work after hours, they should also ask why the workload isn’t being distributed fairly,”

another user wrote, highlighting the need for systemic changes. The conversation also revealed that while some employees are willing to put in extra time, others are beginning to question whether the company’s success is worth the personal cost. This reflects a shift in attitudes, with younger professionals increasingly advocating for flexible work models and better communication from leadership.

As the debate continues, the manager wants me to work after hours remains a central issue in discussions about fair labor practices. Employees across industries are now more vocal about their experiences, using platforms like Reddit to share stories and seek support. This trend indicates a growing movement toward recognizing the value of work-life balance and challenging outdated work norms. Whether the tech firm will adapt to these changing expectations remains to be seen, but the conversation is clearly gaining momentum.