If you had a big date planned for tonight and your boss suddenly asked you to work overtime, would you tell the boss no or cancel your date?

Thursday 21st August, 06:42 AM JST

Latest 15 of 52 Total Comments Show All

NICOLE77 at 08:02 PM JST - 21st August

BTW; overtime in japan is paid at 1.25%.

My answer; Depends on what the work is. If its something that obviously cant wait, then i would do it. If it can, i would talk to my boss and commit to overtime the following night...
Blue_Tiger at 10:40 PM JST - 21st August

I'd say "no", and I've said "no" before, even here in Japan. If its regular time, that's opne thing, but overtime is extra, so no way...
KitsuneYoukai at 11:10 PM JST - 21st August

I would tell my boss that I had plans and that I could stay late the next day. If it was something he/she wanted by the next day I would say that I'm sorry but my plans are important. It also depends ont he date, whether it really means anything to me. I woudl make sure it was not a recurring thing. I do this now. I'm very up front about not working overtime especially since i am salaried I can only ask to get paid OT for anything past 12hrs of OT. I've been there and done that working 80 hours in 1 week. No more.
usaexpat at 12:09 AM JST - 22nd August

Hmmm, let me think... I'd tell my boss no, plain and simple. I'm all for being a team player but I've always made it clear that my life comes before the company. Maybe I get a pass because I'm good at what I do or maybe I get the "gaijin" pass.
akaguma at 12:28 AM JST - 22nd August

simple. tell them both to get screwed and get drunk instead
Triple888 at 04:18 AM JST - 22nd August

Yeah, I would work overtime. My girlfriend would naturally understand this, otherwise she wouldn't be my girlfriend in the first place.
Good_Jorb at 04:49 AM JST - 22nd August

I always make sure that my contract includes bankable overtime, that way if I miss a date with the wife becuase of overtime, later I get to spend the whole day with her. After tax season, I usually have a couple of extra weeks for vaction time.
Youdontknow at 09:13 AM JST - 22nd August

Depends on the job and the boss and the money. A Japanese woman will always understand that work takes priority over everything else, so she'll be fine with canceling, because 'Shogunai!'
DeepAir65 at 11:09 AM JST - 22nd August

This is not just a Japanese thing by the way! It really depends on the situation but if it is the right partner and it is early days I would hope they understand why I have to work.
motytrah at 11:41 AM JST - 22nd August

I thought the Japanese way was to work the overtime AND not claim the extra cash.
kimigano at 01:39 AM JST - 23rd August

Depends on the date. A girl can always wait.
rranta at 02:13 AM JST - 23rd August

Depends on the lady, but also on how important the work is. if its really important to the company, then I'd try my ladies patience and work overtime. ( more money to spend on her?)
Damax6 at 11:16 AM JST - 23rd August

sorry , but i will go with the work, she would forgive me the next time i buy her something, women love material stuff that they can flaunt,and show off with.

If i do too much overtime, she will be getting it from another dude and she will say"you work all the time,i need attention not just gifts" i am lonely and i have time to spend the money you gave me to entertain my "new"special friend. he gives me more attention than you....eeehhhhhhh.
retirednavygaijin at 01:48 PM JST - 23rd August

Date your boss and then there's no problem!
AlliedForces at 01:32 AM JST - 24th August

People should weigh up the pros and cons for working or seeing a woman.

To use women in the way the last poster says, will end in a lonely old age, fully deserved i might add.