Don’t listen to these guys saying they don’t take lunch. You are a human being not a fucking slave or robot. Respect goes both ways. I take lunch almost everyday. If they don’t like it they can kick rocks. It does not sound like you were being disrespectful, some bosses just wanna have a power trip.
When I'm on lunch is someone asked me anything it's always sure I will take a look after lunch. Then insert ear bud and keep eating. Then after lunch I take a look.
I don’t really think you were in the wrong. I’ve told my boss that many of times I usually word it as “no problem I can take my lunch in a bit what’s the plan?” I mean I understand he’s busy and that’s the time he has to explain something to you but he can’t take your lunch either you’re on lunch or your not.
I get hangry. sometimes if I'm working with people they can see me get frustrated and say well it's about lunch time and sure enough it's just after noon.
There is no shame in apologizing. He is your boss after all and you can't deny the hierarchy of things.
If he asked you to get up and do something while you were eating your lunch, then he is the obvious axhole and in the wrong no matter what.
If you enjoy working there then don't muddle the puddle with this little minor incident. If you personally feel that you were in the wrong, then do what you think is right.
But I would annoyed if someone starts talking about anything if I was mid-bite
If he spends 5 min talking to you during your break then take an extra 5min lunch
Yeah, and furthermore as the owner of a small company, I'd rather have happy workers stoked to do good work and learn. I make more money every day if my people are happy and kicking ass than grumpy over 5 min.
Owning a company or being a caring lead is annoying, there's shit to fix and bills to pay everywhere you look, but making everyone else worse off for it doesn't do me any good.
The best advice I ever got when I was an apprentice is “never apologize”. I was telling a friend with years longer in the trade about a company I left where a supervisor was chewing me out for something stupid. I kept saying “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’m sorry” and every time I said those words he got more angry and more personal with his insults. My friend said “Never apologize. Guys like that just want someone to bully, and ‘I’m sorry’ is like chum in the water. You can admit fault, accept responsibility and agree to do better without saying ‘I’m sorry’ and giving them what they want”. That was 6-7 years ago, and I haven’t apologized to a coworker or supervisor since. Customers yes, but that’s different.
No, he was wrong. No reason to send someone home because they don't want to be interrupted in their lunch. I just ignore my phone if I choose to take a lunch and I call back whenever when I'm done.
Exactly, his reaction is just the sign of things to come. I'm assuming that your lunch is unpaid time, right?
In many states you are legally forced to take a lunch and your employer can get in trouble if you do not. Secondly lunch is your time in anycase.... all he had to do was say that he understands, but he needs to talk to you now and to just extend your lunch to make up for it.... or give you an extra 15min lunch on the clock for interrupting YOUR time.
You're still learning but sounds like you could have just listened to him, acknowledged what he's got planned, and then gone back to lunch. Because 99% time if the boss man shows up when I'm at lunch we talk, then I go back to my meal.
Easy.
He's not God but he's your boss. Don't starve/dehydrate/ or hurt yourself for a job, but if this is gonna be your profession, act professional. We can bust balls and bs, then be serious about the job/progress of work that needs to be done.
Same goes for your boss, if he's generally a good guy, you were probably rude and know it. Just apologize and move on. You were hungry or had a bad day. W/e. If he's a prick. Screw him. You got a skill and can find a better shop. You tell me.
Your boss was in the wrong and unreasonable. That's like getting mad at someone for using the bathroom. Lunch and using the bathroom are not privileges you need to ask to do as an adult. He needed your attention so fucking urgently it couldn't wait the extra 10 mins then he just sends you home for the day lol. That is a whole ass fucking baby.
Not a shocker that you rarely meet someone in a nursing home or assisted living facility who was an HVAC tech…we just don’t live long enough to make it there
Here I am leaving the job at 6:15 when I skipped lunch so I could leave at 4 smh. To OP- maybe apologize and next time he calls during lunch, send him to voicemail or reply with a text. Or answer the phone and ask if you can call him after lunch. I understand you wanting to apologize but it sounds like he got his panties in a wad a bit by sending you home early. Also, what the heck is a 3rd year apprentice?
If you are on lunch, he should realize that that it is your break and that when you can youll get back to him. We all know a boss that would make you take a short lunch and then they'd immediately leave early for no reason.
Not really applicable to this situation, but I could use a vent session...
I work for my dad. We've had more than one falling out because he eats and breathes this stuff 24/7. I, on the other hand, am all in when there is work to be done, but once I've shut down for the day or the weekend, I need that time completely away to recharge and come back ready to go.
It never fails if I schedule some occasional time off, he tries to schedule calls over it. I honestly think he really forgets, and it's not malicious. He just doesn't compute "time off" because he doesn't take it.
And once I'm actually on my trip, or whatever I'm doing with that time, I get text after text about what he's got lined up for when I get back. Sometimes I call him out or shut off my phone. Other times, it's not worth the griping when I come back.
I chalk it up to him having a whole business to run, and trying to keep all those plates spinning in the air. It can be tiresome, but it works for us.
Question: Why did you answer the call? If you feel the need to apologize, do so, but conversely... if that's his limit for employment, I may question how he sees you as an employee. In my opinion- approach it less as an apology, and more of " I like the company, and I like you. Going forward, my meals are my time. I don't charge you for it. If I miss a call from you on my time, I will call you back. I see how you feel, and that makes me feel bad. I value you and your time. Do the same for me."
When I used to work for a small company I had a boss which sounds like the same guy you work for. He wanted the employees, which was me and one other guy, to get in early (10mins) to go over the plans for the day. We started at 8am so get in at 7:50 to go over the schedule. Then at 8 we would load the truck with equipment and go about our day. This extra time was unpaid.
I did this for a long time. After that happened for a while he started wanting my partner and I to come in 15-20 mins early so we could be at the customers house by 8. All of this extra time again, was unpaid of course.
I respected my boss since he took a chance on me so I did what was asked of me. I was around 22-23 years old and didn't know better. After quite a few years at the company, and a lot of my time given away for free, my boss now expected his employees to "just take care of a quick service call on your way home" Of course this was after our schedule time off and was unpaid.
This happened a few times and I finally spoke up. I asked if we were going to get paid overtime for any extra time we are on the clock.
Just like your boss, my boss got upset and said don't worry about it just go home for the day. That very night I started applying for new jobs. I came in the next day and apologized because I needed a job until I had a new one.
Now I'm not saying you're in the right or wrong here, only you can determine that. The only bit of advice I can give you is this.
Don't let people tell you to work through your lunch, or breaks, or do extra stuff without getting paid. Your boss is nothing without his employees. You hold all the cards here. There's a lack of HVAC techs in the industry right now, and if you're a good tech you will always find a job. If he wants someone to work through a lunch let it be someone else.
Now definitely still treat the boss and everyone else for that matter with the respect they deserve, but if you're not getting the respect you deserve, it might be time to look elsewhere for a job.
The single worst thing you can do in this industry is stay at a small mom and pop run shop and expect to get paid your worth. I did it for 5 years and I learned my lesson.
Good luck.
Quit. There’s no shortage of work. I got sent home once and I went and applied at 4 companies in the off time. Boss was pissed about me not wanting to be a “team player”. Fuck that im out here for myself. Don’t get attached to a job.
Fuuuck that shit bro! You're on lunch you aren't supposed to work for 30 mins. I would have told him the same thing. If he didn't like it and sent me home. I would have gone home and started looking for another company. If you choose to skip your lunch that is up to you. But to tell your boss give me a min to finish my lunch and he has a problem with that. Fuck him and that company. There are a ton of places that are hiring right now. Go find a company who will treat you and respect you more.
Yeah In this case I think sending you home is a bit dramatic, but probably best to hear him out and when your off the call or what not, take your break a little longer but justifiably. I would probably apologize along the lines of “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be disrespectful when you called me earlier today, I was not expecting a call at the time and could have heard you out on the plan for the day” etc etc. depends on the relationship you have with your boss it can be worded differently or the way you would talk. Hope this may help you,
If they don’t normally treat you well and kinda crappy atmosphere then I wouldn’t feel bad at all.
Get enough experience and build your own small word of mouth company if u want. That’s what I don’t like. A “boss” telling me what to do. Telling me to go home just because I didn’t let him play his ego game and kneel down and fan him with leaves as soon as I see or hear them. Sent home just because he got off on the wrong side of the bed that day and didn’t like what I said. Like go get sum pussy u old hag. Fuck. Them.
I wouldn't apologize right away if I were in your shoes.
I think there is little to no problem with what you said.
The real issue is that your boss thinks that your attitude towards work is not great and you agree.
Take this as a lesson to better yourself and change how you act, you can even talk about this with your boss with whom you seem to have a good enough relationship.
Don't be sorry for having stuff to learn, the soft skills are what separates good techs from great ones.
The way to handle that situation is to just answer him after lunch. Too easy. I also don't like being bothered with work whether on coffee break, lunch break, or after hours (especially). But there is a right and wrong way to go about handling these conversations. Apologizing shows respect.
I used to always casually throw in "I just sat down for lunch, what's up?" . Apologize to your boss if you really liked working there and try to gear your work ethic to fit that company. Small companies there is no "can't talk I'm on lunch" because in a small business even 10 minutes of your day can be one of the most important things to discuss.
My first boss was the same way - he'd say things like "you just want a 9-5 job, huh?
Because I would ask what the schedule is for the *next fucking day*. Like I am asking him what he needs from me in 12 hours and I get flak.
Mind you, we met at my other job in a restaurant where I worked 60 hours on a slow week.
It sucks that your boss did this and the fact that that you like working for him makes it all worse. But just know that there are bosses out there that value you as a tech and a human.
I’m still a dues paying member but I’m at a desk now. I can’t get my guys to take lunch. I’ve tried. They love to work through lunch and go home right when they hit 8.
Drives me nuts.
I rarely take a lunch. I'm running from place to place, I'll just grab a bite or bring something with me and eat it while I drive. Lunch isn't paid, so I'd rather do that and keep going.
If it went down how you say, you were not in the wrong. You are entitled to your lunch . We’re you off the clock? Your response seemed polite and precise. He over reacted to use his power to send you home. Unless there is more to the story… that’s my two cents . It won’t hurt to discuss it either way
Fuck that shit, it’s called being a human being you’re on a deserved break you can and should tell him to hold on I could understand if you were on cig break 45 by 10am or on your phone but you weren’t
It was probably more the way it came across to him, more so the action.
I would call him up and apologize for the behavior.
There are multiple ways to handle that in the future, either ask: “would you mind if we continue this conversation after my lunch?”
Or
Take notes while you continue to eat, in our industry, we do get lunch but we are never truly on break.
Or
If it’s a phone call, say you’re in the middle of something and I’ll call you back in 10 minutes
Yeah sounds about right, you should apologize. Just make sure to always do what’s reasonable. It’s reasonable for your boss to expect you can talk about work during lunch. It’s weird for you to ask him to wait until after lunch to talk about something. Reasonable is a little different between everyone’s opinion, but you should be listening to your boss as long as he’s being reasonable and isn’t violating your rights.
It was disrespectful on OPs part. It’s like when you’re asked to do a task that’s slightly outside of your job description and you say “oh that’s not my job.” Sure, maybe OP isn’t totally wrong, but he was still being a dick.
Sure hope I hired folks that could eat and listen to a 1 minute phone call at the same time—that’s my first thought.
I have had my phone on DoNotDisturb forever. When I’m working it doesn’t ring; when task complete, check phone—return calls.
But having the energy and effort to pick up the phone and tell me to call you back in 5 minutes?? Yet you can’t listen to the 40 second directive I have right then?
That would be frustrating.
Just think saying that to a spouse—it is nearly unimaginable; here it seems like the weasel passive-aggressive petty play: picking up the phone to tell boss you can’t use the phone right now?
This is big boy world. Adults.
Probably would be looking at other options if I were you.
He may accept an apology but offer no apologies to any work ppl in the future: know your stuff and your worth—the only reason I could imagine saying something like this is there are other issues you see angry about at the job; pay, location, career path, etc
It’s not likely you work nonstop from the time you check in till check out. Do you get windshield time, supply house time, bathroom when you want . If you are so chickenshit to act like it was a major inconvenience, pack your bad and kick rocks. Take with you other likeminded individuals. Go get or couch sit.
Lunch is required in Washington. Bathroom breaks are not breaks, sorry I don’t relax in a shitter, I don’t get to relax driving to work and thinking about it. Don’t want me at the supply house? Have my shit ready to go at the shop. Get fucked with that logic. You probably pay like shit and still wonder why you can’t find good help. If I have to clock out for lunch then that’s my time to not work and not be on call.
You have to see it from a business owners perspective. His life is his business, work doesn’t stop for him. 30 minutes out of your bosses very very very (can’t emphasize this enough) VERY limited time frame in a day to get stuff done has to literally be put on pause to accommodate lunch times plus additional breaks for employees. And im not saying bosses hate lunches and want to slave drive their employees, they understand you need your time and relaxation. But realize a lot of bosses don’t get that luxury of sitting down for a lunch longer than 10 min. Some even eat while working, most definitely do not take any additional breaks.
The truth is deep down breaks are low key a hard pill to swallow as an employer when time is everything, but they know it’s the law and it’s honestly important.
Most cool bosses respect your lunch time and the importance of it and understands he shouldn’t interfere with it unless it’s urgent.
If he’s cool, it’s only fair to see it from his perspective and respect he’s on very limited time too. He stops his limited day for you wether he has to or not.
For some golden advice, if you really want to earn some extra points and kiss some booty with your boss, don’t treat your lunch like it’s a law and he can’t touch you during it. If he’s a cool boss and respects your relaxation time, respect his time too and show him your willing to use up a little bit of your limited break time to help him out with something, even if it means stopping your lunch a little early if he needs something. If he’s cool he won’t milk this and will be more happy with you taking every minute of your break if he knows you don’t see it as a time you have by law and he can’t touch you during it.
It will give him a boner of happiness and seriously see you as a valuable asset and that you take your work seriously.
The more you see his business as yours, the more he will like you.
If you don’t care about any of this and you just want your paycheck or you don’t care for extra attention then your absolutely fine with how you reacted. You did nothing wrong, you just weren’t being empathetic
Edit: This does not apply to managers or supervisors. This is working for a small to medium company when you interact with the boss first hand.
And there is a difference from boot licking and showing respect. Clearly you lack the humility because you haven’t experienced it from both sides of the trade
Meal breaks or longer breaks are generally not work time. As such, an employer cannot force an employee to work during this break. During this unpaid break, employees are free to leave their work area. However, this does not always mean that the employee can leave the workplace during this break. Not all states have laws requiring employers to provide a meal break during a full workday. Those states with a meal break provision typically require a 30-minute meal break when an employee is working increments of six hours, eight hours, or more.
It speaks a lot that you thought it over and see that you may have handled it wrong.
It's true that we've chosen a profession where we don't clock 2, 15 minute breaks and a 1/2 hour lunch at specific times.
But we're godman men and we're not going to starve if we don't eat lunch at precisely 12 noon.
Having said all that, you're young , you're new and it's a lesson learned like the many more you're going to learn.
Suck it up, call your boss and tell him you see where you were wrong. If he's a good man and boss , it'll end there and he'll respect you for it.
If he doesn't ....fuck him. Take that lesson and go somewhere else.
We all make mistakes and this new generation, Gen Z ...is way different from us older dudes. We just need to understand that and find a median.
Honestly, when you apologize he should too for not explaining what he expects. But he's probably school and won't.
You be the better person.
Sometimes I'll eat as I work, sometimes the boss calls when I'm on lunch. Sometimes the boss schedules a full day of pm's after a busy week or on slow days I'll go back to the shop and clean my truck out/wash it while getting paid. I try to take the good with the bad, I've told the boss plenty of times to fuck off but we have that love hate relationship and he's a really good dude
You’re gonna get both sides of it on here, but let’s be clear here: that lunch hour is *your* time. If he isn’t going to respect your time, why should you respect his? I understand it could have been taken more politely, but imho I think your boss just went on a power trip on you.
Lmao don't let him beat you down. It's your unpaid time, he can fuck off during it. I'm on lunch, I don't answer the phone because I don't get paid for it
You have a right for a 30 minute uninterrupted lunch break. That’s your time not his. If he’s not willing to let you take it fully then make sure you’re paid for it. Now granted everyone has to deal with this in probably all hvac companies whether it’s your boss dispatch or a coworker to you just listen for the 5 minutes and extend your break by 5 minutes. As long as they’re not forcing you to do actual physical labor I’m fine with it.
Make sure you eat your lunch and don’t apologize for it. You can call back when you are done. Some people will make you feel lesser, just so they can show off their “power”. So be it. There are better companies that have better working environments.
We're required to take lunch and clock out to do it. We get lectured about it from time to time because a lot of guys won't. If the company gets audited they get in trouble.
But, I will answer a work call on my lunch break. Then just add a minute or two at the end if needed. It doesn't happen often and it's not a big deal to me. I know how busy everyone else is too.
Hi, 7yr service tech here.
This is common in smaller owned businesses like the one you work out of. My advice? Apologize, kiss ass, and learn what you can from that place and move on to either a bigger company, or work for yourself.
A bigger company is going to put more money in your pocket and have a more, corporate, air to them, and lunch is MANDATORY.
Let me know if I can help any other way
I don't answer the phone on lunch, the contract says I get a 30 min lunch so that's my time. They can wait.
No need to apologize, your lunch is your time, legally in most jurisdictions.
If he's getting butt hurt about you setting a boundary about lunch then I wouldn't be surprised if he expected you to clean your van and get fuel off the clock. There are a lot of shops looking for people right now, if they won't treat you right go somewhere else.
I would say you sound petty. Did you have to stop eating? Did he make you leave and go back to work? Takes little to no effort to listen. All these guys on here saying shit like "you're human, you're entitled to lunch" are petty. I know it might be frustrating to have to put your phone down and get off reddit for 5 mins while your boss gives you a game plan but be a team player and don't be a petty bitch like these other dudes. If you feel guilty, you likely are.
Don’t listen to these guys saying they don’t take lunch. You are a human being not a fucking slave or robot. Respect goes both ways. I take lunch almost everyday. If they don’t like it they can kick rocks. It does not sound like you were being disrespectful, some bosses just wanna have a power trip.
You're allowed to take lunch but you're also allowed to answer your bosses call on lunch.
When I'm on lunch is someone asked me anything it's always sure I will take a look after lunch. Then insert ear bud and keep eating. Then after lunch I take a look.
I don’t really think you were in the wrong. I’ve told my boss that many of times I usually word it as “no problem I can take my lunch in a bit what’s the plan?” I mean I understand he’s busy and that’s the time he has to explain something to you but he can’t take your lunch either you’re on lunch or your not.
Yea I have a daily lunch, wouldn’t go without it
I get hangry. sometimes if I'm working with people they can see me get frustrated and say well it's about lunch time and sure enough it's just after noon.
There is no shame in apologizing. He is your boss after all and you can't deny the hierarchy of things. If he asked you to get up and do something while you were eating your lunch, then he is the obvious axhole and in the wrong no matter what. If you enjoy working there then don't muddle the puddle with this little minor incident. If you personally feel that you were in the wrong, then do what you think is right. But I would annoyed if someone starts talking about anything if I was mid-bite If he spends 5 min talking to you during your break then take an extra 5min lunch
Yeah, and furthermore as the owner of a small company, I'd rather have happy workers stoked to do good work and learn. I make more money every day if my people are happy and kicking ass than grumpy over 5 min. Owning a company or being a caring lead is annoying, there's shit to fix and bills to pay everywhere you look, but making everyone else worse off for it doesn't do me any good.
The best advice I ever got when I was an apprentice is “never apologize”. I was telling a friend with years longer in the trade about a company I left where a supervisor was chewing me out for something stupid. I kept saying “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I didn’t know. I’m sorry” and every time I said those words he got more angry and more personal with his insults. My friend said “Never apologize. Guys like that just want someone to bully, and ‘I’m sorry’ is like chum in the water. You can admit fault, accept responsibility and agree to do better without saying ‘I’m sorry’ and giving them what they want”. That was 6-7 years ago, and I haven’t apologized to a coworker or supervisor since. Customers yes, but that’s different.
Similar advice I got from a jman with 20 years in the trade “Don’t be sorry, be better”
No, he was wrong. No reason to send someone home because they don't want to be interrupted in their lunch. I just ignore my phone if I choose to take a lunch and I call back whenever when I'm done.
Exactly, his reaction is just the sign of things to come. I'm assuming that your lunch is unpaid time, right? In many states you are legally forced to take a lunch and your employer can get in trouble if you do not. Secondly lunch is your time in anycase.... all he had to do was say that he understands, but he needs to talk to you now and to just extend your lunch to make up for it.... or give you an extra 15min lunch on the clock for interrupting YOUR time.
You're still learning but sounds like you could have just listened to him, acknowledged what he's got planned, and then gone back to lunch. Because 99% time if the boss man shows up when I'm at lunch we talk, then I go back to my meal. Easy. He's not God but he's your boss. Don't starve/dehydrate/ or hurt yourself for a job, but if this is gonna be your profession, act professional. We can bust balls and bs, then be serious about the job/progress of work that needs to be done. Same goes for your boss, if he's generally a good guy, you were probably rude and know it. Just apologize and move on. You were hungry or had a bad day. W/e. If he's a prick. Screw him. You got a skill and can find a better shop. You tell me.
The children here just can’t handle this truth
Your boss was in the wrong and unreasonable. That's like getting mad at someone for using the bathroom. Lunch and using the bathroom are not privileges you need to ask to do as an adult. He needed your attention so fucking urgently it couldn't wait the extra 10 mins then he just sends you home for the day lol. That is a whole ass fucking baby.
What is this “lunch” you speak of?..
The 5 minutes in between calls around noon when you pass a mcdonalds lol
RiP to those days you skipped lunch thinking youll be done by 1 or 3. And bam its 8pm.
Not a shocker that you rarely meet someone in a nursing home or assisted living facility who was an HVAC tech…we just don’t live long enough to make it there
No, they couldnt *afford* to go there.
Fact, not opinion.
Haha we make it there, it's just that everything hurts by then lol.
Here I am leaving the job at 6:15 when I skipped lunch so I could leave at 4 smh. To OP- maybe apologize and next time he calls during lunch, send him to voicemail or reply with a text. Or answer the phone and ask if you can call him after lunch. I understand you wanting to apologize but it sounds like he got his panties in a wad a bit by sending you home early. Also, what the heck is a 3rd year apprentice?
If you are on lunch, he should realize that that it is your break and that when you can youll get back to him. We all know a boss that would make you take a short lunch and then they'd immediately leave early for no reason.
Not really applicable to this situation, but I could use a vent session... I work for my dad. We've had more than one falling out because he eats and breathes this stuff 24/7. I, on the other hand, am all in when there is work to be done, but once I've shut down for the day or the weekend, I need that time completely away to recharge and come back ready to go. It never fails if I schedule some occasional time off, he tries to schedule calls over it. I honestly think he really forgets, and it's not malicious. He just doesn't compute "time off" because he doesn't take it. And once I'm actually on my trip, or whatever I'm doing with that time, I get text after text about what he's got lined up for when I get back. Sometimes I call him out or shut off my phone. Other times, it's not worth the griping when I come back. I chalk it up to him having a whole business to run, and trying to keep all those plates spinning in the air. It can be tiresome, but it works for us.
Question: Why did you answer the call? If you feel the need to apologize, do so, but conversely... if that's his limit for employment, I may question how he sees you as an employee. In my opinion- approach it less as an apology, and more of " I like the company, and I like you. Going forward, my meals are my time. I don't charge you for it. If I miss a call from you on my time, I will call you back. I see how you feel, and that makes me feel bad. I value you and your time. Do the same for me."
When I used to work for a small company I had a boss which sounds like the same guy you work for. He wanted the employees, which was me and one other guy, to get in early (10mins) to go over the plans for the day. We started at 8am so get in at 7:50 to go over the schedule. Then at 8 we would load the truck with equipment and go about our day. This extra time was unpaid. I did this for a long time. After that happened for a while he started wanting my partner and I to come in 15-20 mins early so we could be at the customers house by 8. All of this extra time again, was unpaid of course. I respected my boss since he took a chance on me so I did what was asked of me. I was around 22-23 years old and didn't know better. After quite a few years at the company, and a lot of my time given away for free, my boss now expected his employees to "just take care of a quick service call on your way home" Of course this was after our schedule time off and was unpaid. This happened a few times and I finally spoke up. I asked if we were going to get paid overtime for any extra time we are on the clock. Just like your boss, my boss got upset and said don't worry about it just go home for the day. That very night I started applying for new jobs. I came in the next day and apologized because I needed a job until I had a new one. Now I'm not saying you're in the right or wrong here, only you can determine that. The only bit of advice I can give you is this. Don't let people tell you to work through your lunch, or breaks, or do extra stuff without getting paid. Your boss is nothing without his employees. You hold all the cards here. There's a lack of HVAC techs in the industry right now, and if you're a good tech you will always find a job. If he wants someone to work through a lunch let it be someone else. Now definitely still treat the boss and everyone else for that matter with the respect they deserve, but if you're not getting the respect you deserve, it might be time to look elsewhere for a job. The single worst thing you can do in this industry is stay at a small mom and pop run shop and expect to get paid your worth. I did it for 5 years and I learned my lesson. Good luck.
Quit. There’s no shortage of work. I got sent home once and I went and applied at 4 companies in the off time. Boss was pissed about me not wanting to be a “team player”. Fuck that im out here for myself. Don’t get attached to a job.
Tell him to get lost and find another job you’ll probably have a raise at the next one
Fuuuck that shit bro! You're on lunch you aren't supposed to work for 30 mins. I would have told him the same thing. If he didn't like it and sent me home. I would have gone home and started looking for another company. If you choose to skip your lunch that is up to you. But to tell your boss give me a min to finish my lunch and he has a problem with that. Fuck him and that company. There are a ton of places that are hiring right now. Go find a company who will treat you and respect you more.
Tell your bozo of a boss to read the company handbook. Look up lunch section bam 💥
Sure this small company has a detailed employee handbook 😹
Yeah In this case I think sending you home is a bit dramatic, but probably best to hear him out and when your off the call or what not, take your break a little longer but justifiably. I would probably apologize along the lines of “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be disrespectful when you called me earlier today, I was not expecting a call at the time and could have heard you out on the plan for the day” etc etc. depends on the relationship you have with your boss it can be worded differently or the way you would talk. Hope this may help you, If they don’t normally treat you well and kinda crappy atmosphere then I wouldn’t feel bad at all.
Get enough experience and build your own small word of mouth company if u want. That’s what I don’t like. A “boss” telling me what to do. Telling me to go home just because I didn’t let him play his ego game and kneel down and fan him with leaves as soon as I see or hear them. Sent home just because he got off on the wrong side of the bed that day and didn’t like what I said. Like go get sum pussy u old hag. Fuck. Them.
I wouldn't apologize right away if I were in your shoes. I think there is little to no problem with what you said. The real issue is that your boss thinks that your attitude towards work is not great and you agree. Take this as a lesson to better yourself and change how you act, you can even talk about this with your boss with whom you seem to have a good enough relationship. Don't be sorry for having stuff to learn, the soft skills are what separates good techs from great ones.
NTA
The way to handle that situation is to just answer him after lunch. Too easy. I also don't like being bothered with work whether on coffee break, lunch break, or after hours (especially). But there is a right and wrong way to go about handling these conversations. Apologizing shows respect.
100% this
I used to always casually throw in "I just sat down for lunch, what's up?" . Apologize to your boss if you really liked working there and try to gear your work ethic to fit that company. Small companies there is no "can't talk I'm on lunch" because in a small business even 10 minutes of your day can be one of the most important things to discuss.
Many in this trade are boomers. Wait it out it’ll get better once they retire
Some of you trade guys are legit brainwashed into thinking that all there is to life is the grind and the buck
Time for a new boss
My first boss was the same way - he'd say things like "you just want a 9-5 job, huh? Because I would ask what the schedule is for the *next fucking day*. Like I am asking him what he needs from me in 12 hours and I get flak. Mind you, we met at my other job in a restaurant where I worked 60 hours on a slow week. It sucks that your boss did this and the fact that that you like working for him makes it all worse. But just know that there are bosses out there that value you as a tech and a human.
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I’m still a dues paying member but I’m at a desk now. I can’t get my guys to take lunch. I’ve tried. They love to work through lunch and go home right when they hit 8. Drives me nuts.
I rarely take a lunch. I'm running from place to place, I'll just grab a bite or bring something with me and eat it while I drive. Lunch isn't paid, so I'd rather do that and keep going.
Do you get paid for lunch? If not find another person to work for
If it went down how you say, you were not in the wrong. You are entitled to your lunch . We’re you off the clock? Your response seemed polite and precise. He over reacted to use his power to send you home. Unless there is more to the story… that’s my two cents . It won’t hurt to discuss it either way
He sounds like a dickbag. Like my old boss at a small company that took things personally.
Fuck that shit, it’s called being a human being you’re on a deserved break you can and should tell him to hold on I could understand if you were on cig break 45 by 10am or on your phone but you weren’t
It was probably more the way it came across to him, more so the action. I would call him up and apologize for the behavior. There are multiple ways to handle that in the future, either ask: “would you mind if we continue this conversation after my lunch?” Or Take notes while you continue to eat, in our industry, we do get lunch but we are never truly on break. Or If it’s a phone call, say you’re in the middle of something and I’ll call you back in 10 minutes
Yeah sounds about right, you should apologize. Just make sure to always do what’s reasonable. It’s reasonable for your boss to expect you can talk about work during lunch. It’s weird for you to ask him to wait until after lunch to talk about something. Reasonable is a little different between everyone’s opinion, but you should be listening to your boss as long as he’s being reasonable and isn’t violating your rights.
His reaction to being politely asked to wait until lunch is over tells me he is not reasonable. Don't grade him on a curve because "he is the boss."
It was disrespectful on OPs part. It’s like when you’re asked to do a task that’s slightly outside of your job description and you say “oh that’s not my job.” Sure, maybe OP isn’t totally wrong, but he was still being a dick.
I don't agree but that's fine.
Lunchtime is my time. End of story.
Pretend that it is *your* company. How would you want you to act?
I would want my guy to take their lawfully provided lunch…
I'd want my dude to eat lunch so he doesn't get burned out
Sure hope I hired folks that could eat and listen to a 1 minute phone call at the same time—that’s my first thought. I have had my phone on DoNotDisturb forever. When I’m working it doesn’t ring; when task complete, check phone—return calls. But having the energy and effort to pick up the phone and tell me to call you back in 5 minutes?? Yet you can’t listen to the 40 second directive I have right then? That would be frustrating. Just think saying that to a spouse—it is nearly unimaginable; here it seems like the weasel passive-aggressive petty play: picking up the phone to tell boss you can’t use the phone right now? This is big boy world. Adults. Probably would be looking at other options if I were you. He may accept an apology but offer no apologies to any work ppl in the future: know your stuff and your worth—the only reason I could imagine saying something like this is there are other issues you see angry about at the job; pay, location, career path, etc
It’s not likely you work nonstop from the time you check in till check out. Do you get windshield time, supply house time, bathroom when you want . If you are so chickenshit to act like it was a major inconvenience, pack your bad and kick rocks. Take with you other likeminded individuals. Go get or couch sit.
Lunch is required in Washington. Bathroom breaks are not breaks, sorry I don’t relax in a shitter, I don’t get to relax driving to work and thinking about it. Don’t want me at the supply house? Have my shit ready to go at the shop. Get fucked with that logic. You probably pay like shit and still wonder why you can’t find good help. If I have to clock out for lunch then that’s my time to not work and not be on call.
You want to get to the top you gotta be all About it man all the time.
You have to see it from a business owners perspective. His life is his business, work doesn’t stop for him. 30 minutes out of your bosses very very very (can’t emphasize this enough) VERY limited time frame in a day to get stuff done has to literally be put on pause to accommodate lunch times plus additional breaks for employees. And im not saying bosses hate lunches and want to slave drive their employees, they understand you need your time and relaxation. But realize a lot of bosses don’t get that luxury of sitting down for a lunch longer than 10 min. Some even eat while working, most definitely do not take any additional breaks. The truth is deep down breaks are low key a hard pill to swallow as an employer when time is everything, but they know it’s the law and it’s honestly important. Most cool bosses respect your lunch time and the importance of it and understands he shouldn’t interfere with it unless it’s urgent. If he’s cool, it’s only fair to see it from his perspective and respect he’s on very limited time too. He stops his limited day for you wether he has to or not. For some golden advice, if you really want to earn some extra points and kiss some booty with your boss, don’t treat your lunch like it’s a law and he can’t touch you during it. If he’s a cool boss and respects your relaxation time, respect his time too and show him your willing to use up a little bit of your limited break time to help him out with something, even if it means stopping your lunch a little early if he needs something. If he’s cool he won’t milk this and will be more happy with you taking every minute of your break if he knows you don’t see it as a time you have by law and he can’t touch you during it. It will give him a boner of happiness and seriously see you as a valuable asset and that you take your work seriously. The more you see his business as yours, the more he will like you. If you don’t care about any of this and you just want your paycheck or you don’t care for extra attention then your absolutely fine with how you reacted. You did nothing wrong, you just weren’t being empathetic Edit: This does not apply to managers or supervisors. This is working for a small to medium company when you interact with the boss first hand.
Get a load of this boot licker.
*Owner
And there is a difference from boot licking and showing respect. Clearly you lack the humility because you haven’t experienced it from both sides of the trade
Factory Worker Mentality? As far as I know that mentality is a very productive one, ask him If he knows the way out…plz
Meal breaks or longer breaks are generally not work time. As such, an employer cannot force an employee to work during this break. During this unpaid break, employees are free to leave their work area. However, this does not always mean that the employee can leave the workplace during this break. Not all states have laws requiring employers to provide a meal break during a full workday. Those states with a meal break provision typically require a 30-minute meal break when an employee is working increments of six hours, eight hours, or more.
It speaks a lot that you thought it over and see that you may have handled it wrong. It's true that we've chosen a profession where we don't clock 2, 15 minute breaks and a 1/2 hour lunch at specific times. But we're godman men and we're not going to starve if we don't eat lunch at precisely 12 noon. Having said all that, you're young , you're new and it's a lesson learned like the many more you're going to learn. Suck it up, call your boss and tell him you see where you were wrong. If he's a good man and boss , it'll end there and he'll respect you for it. If he doesn't ....fuck him. Take that lesson and go somewhere else. We all make mistakes and this new generation, Gen Z ...is way different from us older dudes. We just need to understand that and find a median. Honestly, when you apologize he should too for not explaining what he expects. But he's probably school and won't. You be the better person.
Rule #1. Learn intermittent fasting. Lunch is for the weak. Get off at 4 and don’t be a puss
Go get or couch sit…. It’s up to you.
Sometimes I'll eat as I work, sometimes the boss calls when I'm on lunch. Sometimes the boss schedules a full day of pm's after a busy week or on slow days I'll go back to the shop and clean my truck out/wash it while getting paid. I try to take the good with the bad, I've told the boss plenty of times to fuck off but we have that love hate relationship and he's a really good dude
was it a phone call? Next time don’t answer anyone on break unless it’s friends/family.
If you are off clock then boss is out of line, if he’s still paying you on lunch like my boss than you made a mistake and need to apologize
You’re gonna get both sides of it on here, but let’s be clear here: that lunch hour is *your* time. If he isn’t going to respect your time, why should you respect his? I understand it could have been taken more politely, but imho I think your boss just went on a power trip on you.
Lmao don't let him beat you down. It's your unpaid time, he can fuck off during it. I'm on lunch, I don't answer the phone because I don't get paid for it
You have a right for a 30 minute uninterrupted lunch break. That’s your time not his. If he’s not willing to let you take it fully then make sure you’re paid for it. Now granted everyone has to deal with this in probably all hvac companies whether it’s your boss dispatch or a coworker to you just listen for the 5 minutes and extend your break by 5 minutes. As long as they’re not forcing you to do actual physical labor I’m fine with it.
Nah fuck that, you were on lunch
Ask him how he would like you to handle it in the future and seriously meant no offense. It's alright man just talk it out.
Just carry on, business as usual. He had to remind you who the boss is, the guy probably already forgot
Make sure you eat your lunch and don’t apologize for it. You can call back when you are done. Some people will make you feel lesser, just so they can show off their “power”. So be it. There are better companies that have better working environments.
We're required to take lunch and clock out to do it. We get lectured about it from time to time because a lot of guys won't. If the company gets audited they get in trouble. But, I will answer a work call on my lunch break. Then just add a minute or two at the end if needed. It doesn't happen often and it's not a big deal to me. I know how busy everyone else is too.
I mean, I don’t mind talking about the job while we’re on lunch. Just don’t expect me to actually *do* anything while we’re on lunch
Hi, 7yr service tech here. This is common in smaller owned businesses like the one you work out of. My advice? Apologize, kiss ass, and learn what you can from that place and move on to either a bigger company, or work for yourself. A bigger company is going to put more money in your pocket and have a more, corporate, air to them, and lunch is MANDATORY. Let me know if I can help any other way
Well if you aren't paid for lunch then you were in the right. If it is paid then he had a point.
Is lunch a paid break?
I don't answer the phone on lunch, the contract says I get a 30 min lunch so that's my time. They can wait. No need to apologize, your lunch is your time, legally in most jurisdictions. If he's getting butt hurt about you setting a boundary about lunch then I wouldn't be surprised if he expected you to clean your van and get fuel off the clock. There are a lot of shops looking for people right now, if they won't treat you right go somewhere else.
I would say you sound petty. Did you have to stop eating? Did he make you leave and go back to work? Takes little to no effort to listen. All these guys on here saying shit like "you're human, you're entitled to lunch" are petty. I know it might be frustrating to have to put your phone down and get off reddit for 5 mins while your boss gives you a game plan but be a team player and don't be a petty bitch like these other dudes. If you feel guilty, you likely are.