Can I refuse to do something

[armanimick]

I'm a busy PA and often work in the evenings, at home on my PC doing e-mails. I'm asked to take on a newsletter which I did ( evenings) and presented to my boss who said its not what she wanted. I e-mails my concerns to her on her new proposal and she didn't come back to me so I did no more. Weeks later she asked HR to do the job. They did nothing. Then lo & behold she asked me how I was getting on. I said I had done noting as I'd voiced my concerns and nothing changed, plus I was in the middle of my "charity golf day" another task which I work on at home. CAN I REFUSE TO TAKE ON EXTRA WORK. The company is not in a union. I've got a 20 odd year good track record and only have problems with this boss who seems to think I'm an octopus... Difficult situation as I have to work very close to this person...

[laurence2]

Its all about your contract.

Has she discussed any additional payment for these extra duties, its always a sticky problem when your not in a union.

Just one bit of advice, Refusing to work might endanger your job, is their another Boss you can talk to and trust,other than that get some legal advice and look up employment laws this may assist you.

Ps, personally, from what your saying, shes trying to throw her weight around, and i feel that your right to refuse, test her by asking for the contract of employment and tell her you,ve got a friend that works in employment law, my experience{i'm a union rep} says she will back off

Good luck

[gammaray]

Tell her you work for her from nine to five. As you don't get payed any extra for using your own free time to do work that's not in your contract of employment, you're not doing it, and certainly are not being held accountable when it's not done. The problem with "helping out" by doing stuff at home is that it soon becomes expected of you. You'll make a rod for your own back by not standing up to her. You may lose your job but what is the point of working for someone who has no concern for you or your welfare.

[vehelpfulguy]

It is important to say NO sometimes (nicely).

You just have to say you have a lot on and you cannot take any more. It is better to do 10 things well than 20 things badly.

Here is a website that may help

http://www.onlineorganizing.com/ExpertAdviceToolboxTips.asp?tipsheet=16

[geoffreyhunt]

Why do these types of people get to where they are? In my experience I have met people like this and I think the first thing you need to do is check your marketable. ie go to a job agency and see how long it take to get as good a position. Armed with this, and being everso charming write a list of what it is your being asked to do then go over that with her every week. If she cuts up rought say firmly that you cant do it. If all else fails leave.

Good luck