Thanks for the information. Before I actually step in, I’d like to suggest a couple of things first:

1. Since Mr Ashok didn’t directly say you need to do OT, perhaps you can just casually say to him, “Okay Mr Ashok, I’ll see you tomorrow!” and leave – make sure you have done all you’re supposed to do before saying this. I know how it is when bosses sometimes make you feel guilty leaving on time, but that’s your right. As long as you have completed your work, you should be able to leave. I had this experience before too – staying for the sake of staying, even when I don’t need to because I feel bad to leave. So you should just be thick skinned and happily say your “good-byes” and “see you tomorrow” and just go. Alternatively, you can try, “I’ve finished all my work and I’m making a move now. See you tomorrow!”

2. I don’t think you can claim back the “unspoken” OT already as Mr Ashok didn’t directly say you are working OT but you still stayed on as a “volunteer”. So I guess you have to let that go. Mr Ashok will probably say it’s part of your learning experience anyway.

3. As for the “official” OT on 2 Nov, please approach Mr Ashok and ask him about it. Tell him Kasmani asked you to work 1 hr OT on 2 Nov and ask Mr Ashok if you will be receiving OT pay or can you take time-off for it. It will be better if you can also tell him that you need time-off to handle something. OK, teach you what to say: “Mr Ashok, Kasmani called me in to work OT for an hour on 2 Nov. May I know if I’ll be paid for the OT or can I claim time-off? I have something I need to handle tomorrow (or any other day) and need to leave an hour earlier (or come in an hour later), if possible.”

4. I think sometimes you need to speak up, otherwise people will assume you are ok and take advantage of you. Just bite your lip and say what you have to say. Practice before approaching Mr Ashok if necessary

Hope this advice helps. Let me know if you need more advice and I’ll see what I can do. Let me know the outcome for this OT matter too. If you can’t get a solution for it, then I will step in.

All the best! I know you can do it! Remember, Mr Ashok (and Mr Choo) was once like you too!