In a past work life I worked at a small newspaper where corporate insisted on paying me hourly, despite the job not being capable of being done in 40 hours.

That and anyone who knows the news industry knows that news happens more than just 9-5.

It was implied that you just work when needed and don’t miss deadlines. I did that for years.

One week I ended up working over 100 hours. Lots of huge breaking news stories and I was the only person working at that newspaper.

I asked for 20 hours overtime pay (having worked 60 hours of overtime that week) and my regional manager refused because it hadn’t been priorly authorized.

So I told him from then on I work exactly 40 hours. And I didn’t care what news happened after. I’d cover it my next work day.

About 6 months go by. No major news missed. But a few things were later than they should be.

Then another hell week hits. Several major car crashes, a school bomb threat and Friday about 4 pm a murder.

I head out to the murder scene. Get photos, talk to an officer and am told an update is coming at 630 pm.

So I write up a very short piece with the info I had by 430, and at 5 pm I go home for the weekend.

Readers, and bosses reached out several times over the weekend. Readers I told we’d have an update on Monday, and that no one was scheduled to work the weekend. Bosses I ignored until Monday.

He tried to yell. I pointed out it would have been unpaid overtime and it wasn’t approved.

By Wednesday they offered me a raise, and put me on salary. I accepted. But left the job a few months later.