Working Overtime: Favorite Memories and Experiences
Working overtime is often a required aspect of many jobs, especially in IT and during peak seasons like tax seasons. For Jaysonne Montoya, working overtime has shaped some of his most memorable experiences in the workplace. Let's explore some of these experiences and the lessons learned from them.
A Keyboard and T1 Lines: My First IT Job
My first IT job was as a computer operator. The schedule was challenging, with shifts ranging from 5 PM to 5 AM - a pattern of 3 on 4 off and 4 on 3 off, which repeated in a cycle. Despite being salaried non-exempt, I was earning 40 hours for every 36 or 40 hours worked, with 8 hours of overtime for 48-hour weeks. This was a common scenario in a typical work environment during those times.
However, my job required mandatory training for Unix OS and C programming. Unfortunately, these required trainings were only available during traditional working hours (8 AM to 5 PM), rendering them useless for my responsibilities. Recognizing the potential, I negotiated with my peer to adjust my working hours, allowing me to attend these classes and still work my shift. A simple solution involving my peer's flexibility paid off tremendously. I effectively gained 34 extra hours of overtime for the 5-day class and 18 extra hours for the 3-day class. I found that I could manage to keep myself busy during the off-work hours by taking online courses or surfing the web on a T1 line when the network was less congested. While not as advanced as today's technology, corporate IT was still meticulous about ensuring productivity, albeit relaxed enough to offer a bit of personal time for staff.
A Toasty Warm Room on a Cold Christmas: Monitoring the Deaerator Tank
My first job in power plant operations was filled with a variety of tasks, some of which were quite unique. One memorable experience involved being called in on Christmas to monitor a deaerator tank's water level. The transmitter had failed, and I was assigned to watch the physical water glass and radio updates to the control room at regular intervals. The room was warm, offering a comfortable contrast to the cold outdoors, and it was my only duty during a holiday. Although this might not have been the most glamorous assignment, it symbolizes the dedication and commitment required in the industrial sector.
Free Lunch and Tax Season Magic at a CPA Firm
During college, I worked at a CPA firm, preparing individuals for tax season. The tax season, from February to April 15, was a high-pressure period with mandatory Saturday shifts for the full-time staff. As a student working in a previous role, I was already accustomed to working weekends, so it wasn't as challenging as it was for my colleagues.
The culture at the firm during tax season was relaxed and enjoyable. Staff members dressed casually, and there was a sense of camaraderie. We played music and shared stories, turning a usually stressful period into something more like a community event. The firm provided free lunch, a significant perk that made the experience even more enjoyable. On top of that, the quality of the lunch was significantly better than what I could afford on my own. This experience taught me the value of teamwork, flexibility, and the importance of appreciating the little perks in your work environment.
Working overtime and the associated experiences can shape one's career in many positive ways. From learning how to manage your time effectively and adapt to challenging situations, to experiencing the camaraderie and shared challenges of a team, these are valuable lessons that can benefit any professional in their career journey.