Quid Pro Quo

When I took on my current job, one of its appeals was the opportunity to do overtime.

For about six months I did this and it was a very nice way of earning extra income. Moreover, once I had prepared the work it was then basically just a question of delivering it again. In other words, there was no great further effort involved.

My new boss stopped me doing it, arguing that I had better things to do with my time! The manager running the programme was against this and wanted me to do it, but my manager ultimately had the final say.

This week my manager asked me if I would take on another task at the last moment as the previous incumbent (my former colleague who they moved on) was no longer able to do it. The [the company] were in a bit of a hole and needed someone to help them out.

As it was during the day, didn't really involve and extra work and was an opportunity to stay busy (as I have been quite quiet over the last few weeks) I readily agreed - which is in my "Asperger" nature of course.

I thought afterwards whether I should have been more assertive by saying: "OK, I'll do this favour for you, if you allow me to do the overtime?" I would have done it in a friendly, "tongue in cheek way", but it would have made my point.

Part of my character - as dictated by my AS - is to be amenable, helpful and not cause waves. That's fine, but I think that in a work context I have sold myself short at times by not asserting myelf more and seeking things that I want and which will be beneficial to me.

I'm awaiting another moment.....