Working unpaid overtime is often a cultural norm at certain companies. When you join a team where this is expected, you may feel pressured to follow suit. Unfortunately, such practices rarely change within a company.
Your best option is to seek a new job and assess the company culture during the interview process. Once you've passed initial screenings, don't hesitate to ask your potential manager about typical workdays, deadline crunches, and team turnover. Just as they will inquire about your reasons for leaving your current job, you can ask if you're replacing someone and why they left.
Keep in mind that you might not always get the full truth. Both candidates and companies have reasons to present themselves in the best light. Nonetheless, asking these questions can provide valuable insights and a gut feeling about the work environment. The most reliable way to gauge company culture is through trusted connections who have worked there.
For those interested in part-time development work, it’s advisable to first secure a full-time job with a reasonable boss. Prove your reliability by delivering on projects and building trust. Once you've established this, start by requesting small accommodations, such as unpaid half days on Fridays. Gradually, as your boss becomes comfortable with your work patterns, you can explore reducing your hours to part-time. Asking for significant changes early on, before trust is established, is less likely to be successful.
