Hello, I Do Not Work Seven Days a Week

Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to the provided email address. You can include your name and location or request to remain anonymous. Keep in mind that letters may be edited for clarity.

As a freelance creative, you’re facing a common issue where contracted employers expect you to be available at all times, including weekends. This goes against your desire for flexibility and work-life balance. Although companies hire contractors to avoid full-time employee expenses, they still expect full-time access. To address this, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries. Communicate your availability and make it known that you won’t be sacrificing your weekends. Avoid checking emails and messages outside of your designated work hours. If you receive an assignment on a Friday afternoon, politely inform them that you’ll address it on Monday. Remember that you may lose some contracts by enforcing these boundaries, so weigh the value of your time against the work.

Regarding your experience with a freelance client and their rejection for a full-time position, it’s important to acknowledge that the job market can be unfair and nontransparent. Unfortunately, you may never fully understand why you weren’t chosen. While it’s disheartening, you must find a way to move forward. Consider whether you want to continue working with that client or explore other full-time opportunities elsewhere. You could also discuss the situation with your colleague to gain more clarity. Regardless, remember that you produce excellent work and will continue to do so.

Concerning correcting an employee’s spelling in emails, it’s generally acceptable to address the issue tactfully. If someone consistently struggles with spelling, you can point it out diplomatically. However, occasional spelling errors may not be indicative of a substantial problem. It appears that your employee may rush through emails without reviewing them. As their manager, you can privately speak to them about taking more care in written correspondence. Provide examples of recent misspellings and remind them about available spell-check tools. Offer support if they require resources to improve their spelling skills. It’s important to address this matter professionally and avoid making it personal.

Regarding your discomfort working at a company where the chief executive holds strong opinions on the Israel/Palestine conflict, it’s up to you to determine if you’re making too big a deal out of it. It’s normal to encounter colleagues with differing views, except when dealing with extremists. The Israel/Palestine conflict is highly polarizing, making the situation more challenging. Ultimately, you need to establish your boundaries. The conflict has deep-rooted complexities, and resolving differences is challenging. Consider if you can tolerate working for someone who supports the Israel Defense Forces through their philanthropy.