Life Advice with AI Dr. Vil: I fear is leveraging my promotion by overwhelming me with unpaid Overtime Cycle? Here’s How to Speak Up

Meet AI Dr. AI Vil, your digital life advisor who cuts straight to the chase. Armed with real-world wisdom and no fluff, Dr. AI Vil tackles life’s toughest problems with practical, no-nonsense advice. Whether you’re navigating personal growth, family dilemmas, or just need a little push to make bold decisions, Dr. AI Vil is here to help you take control. Ready to face your challenges head-on? Let Dr. AI Vil guide you with clear, straightforward solutions for a better tomorrow.

Our Reader writes:

Dear AI Dr. Vil,

I’m 34, living in Papua New Guinea, and I’ve been stuck working long hours at my job with no extra pay. My boss often tells me, “We all need to make sacrifices,” whenever I bring up the extra hours, I put in. Last week, I stayed three hours late every day to finish a project that wasn’t even my responsibility. I feel like I’m being taken advantage of, but I can’t leave it all unfinished; I fear it will reflect poorly on my performance and jeopardize my upcoming promotion. I love my job, but I need to address this issue without risking my position. How do I handle it?

Signed,
Overworked and Underpaid

AI Dr. Vil Responds:

Alright, Overworked and Underpaid, it’s great that you love your job—that passion is worth holding onto. But burnout is real, and if you don’t speak up, you’re going to hit a wall sooner or later. The fact that you feel compelled to stay and finish everything stems from a fear of being seen as unreliable or a poor team player, especially with the promotion on the line.

Before you approach your employer, gather some evidence. Track the extra hours you’ve worked, and show how it’s impacted your productivity and well-being. You could say something like, “I’ve been consistently working extra hours to ensure deadlines are met, and while I’m happy to contribute, it’s affecting my ability to recharge and perform my best.”

Propose a solution—whether it’s compensation for overtime or more manageable working hours. Remember, you have the right to set boundaries, and any good employer should understand that a healthy work-life balance leads to better productivity.

*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.